Q: What social changes and responsibilities have you seen people making during the pandemic?

Devin: In some regards, we are seeing more intentionality. For example, in order to connect with others, we need to be more intentional about taking time, creating connections and maintaining relationships with one another. It is amazing we have technology to do so, but at the same time, we’re all forced to be okay with this version of connecting. Everyone is processing change and loss, and as a result it is creating the space to pause, reevaluate our priorities, and reset the systems at play and what our roles as citizens are. This can translate into how we align ourselves to organizations/institutions or communities that we are currently a part of. We are analyzing who has power and who is powerless, which ultimately reveals hidden agendas.

Jake: I would echo intentionality. In the busyness of our schedules and working many jobs, we sometimes lose the intentionality to reach out to people we love and care for deeply. My dad passed away in November and this life event changed my way of thinking. You never know the last time you will get to speak to someone and that has been weighing heavily on my heart recently. I have been trying to be more mindful and intentional about carving out time to speak to family and friends and also see them if I can. It's hard because we are limited to virtual connection right now, but I know this is temporary and when we do get to be face to face with people again, that physical touch, their presence and those deep conversations are what I long for.