I love, love, love checking in with my friends. I honestly freaking care, and I believe at this time, everyone needs someone to talk to. It’s hard being in your own head, trust. I get it! I’m a person who truly loves reading blog pots of other people’s experiences and realizing, “[so-and-so], they’re just like us!”
With that said, I’m sliding into my friends/acquaintances DMs asking, in Joey Tribbiani’s voice, “how you doin’?” To quote my all-time favorite movie: We’re all in this together. And it’s refreshing to hear the different perspectives on how they’re just trying to get through to the next day, man.
I may or may not slide into your DMs next. (Do people still say that? Idc.) Enjoy.
@_neeeeks
Job Title: Marketing Assistant
At this exact moment, I’m feeling fine. My job had recently told me that I still get to work from home for the rest of the month. To me, it was great news amid the uncertain times we’re currently in. This is coming from someone who’s an introvert like 75% of the time and enjoys working without any distractions!
@rissamaezing
Job Title: Assistant Director for student involvement
I’m kinda overwhelmed. Not just with what’s going on in the world but also in my work. I recognized this week that I’m one of two women of color in my workplace. Kinda wild. It took me 11 months and working on my performance review to realize that.
@itsnikki
Job Title: Lead Provider Enrollment Specialist
I feel okay. Last week was pretty crazy with all of the civil unrest everyone was experiencing. So, coming into this week, with all the progress we’ve seen and everyone coming together, I feel like I can breathe a little easier. I know we still have plenty more to do, though.
How was this past week for you?
Nikka: This past week was an emotional roller coaster. That’s for sure. I’m not really a frequent Instagram user, but checking my IG feed lately has definitely been tough, especially on #BlackOutTuesday. What once was an outlet for sharing positive aspects in one’s personal life has been an outlet for social media activism. And I’m not saying it’s a bad thing at all! It’s most definitely a good thing. It’s incredible to see people of all nationalities joining together in favor of the same movement. But sad, because oppression and racial injustice is a depressing reality and I’m sure it has hit home for most people in the past week. There were definitely a few times when it was hard to focus on specific tasks I had to do with all that’s been going on in the world, and I know I’m not the only one who felt that way.
Clarissa: This past week, I spent a lot of time educating myself and figuring out what I can do to support the community. So I’ve been reading up on different kinds of racism and activism.
Nikki: I felt all of the emotions last week. I felt sadness, guilt, fear, anxiety, everything. My heart felt so heavy and still does.
What’s been at the forefront of your mind?
Nikka: Just wanting to keep LEARNING. I spent the beginning stages of the shelter-in-place binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé! I’m not just talking about the Ed and Rose episodes, but the previous seasons currently on Hulu. Anyway, I decided to take a break from that show. I figured I should probably take this time to “learn.” I just mean learning in general and expanding my knowledge. Learn about what’s going on in the world every day, learn about people’s perspectives on certain things, learn how to improve me personally and professionally, learn new hobbies, etc.
Clarissa: Work. With the pandemic, it’s been a lot of talk of how we are gonna serve students but at the same time, be safe, and on the other side of the spectrum, it’s how do we make our students of color feel welcome.
Nikki: I think pretty much what everyone is thinking about. The injustices that are happening every day, specifically to the Black community, and what I can do to become a better ally and assist in any way possible. It’s hard to think about anything but that right now.
What’s been making you happy?
Nikka: TBH, music and alcohol. (I’m not an alcoholic, by the way. LOL) It’s just, come on. What else was there REALLY to do during quarantine?! There’s actually an app I use called Mixel, where you would list all of the ingredients and liquor you have at home, and it’ll come up with a list of cocktails you can make based on what you have. Pretty cool if you ask me.
I’ve also signed up for a Spotify Premium account recently. [Check out: “Chill & Sensual AF” playlist. Perfect for all the Soulful R&B heads out there.]
Clarissa: My boyfriend, Josh. He has his side hustle/passion project, and I get to help him on weekends. Also, staying at my parents’ house during the shelter in place. Can’t say no to free food lol.
Nikki: That’s a pretty tough question at the moment. A part of me really wants to say drinking, but that doesn’t sound very healthy (LOL), so I guess I would have to say, the quality time I get to spend at home with my little family (my boyfriend and dog 😂). They always put me in a good mood or manage to make me laugh somehow. Plus, with everyone else in quarantine, I can’t really see anyone else, so it’s a good thing I really love spending time at home.
How has the current state of affairs with BLM affected you personally and/or professionally?
Nikka: It brought me to a state of being more aware. Being aware of what the Black Lives Matter movement is all about and what I can do for the progression of racial justice and equality everywhere. Racism has happened to everyone at least once or twice, and I’m sure the BLM movement has affected everyone somehow. It made me think back to the times I’ve experienced racial comments and stereotypes directed towards me just because I’m Asian/Filipino. But I’ve probably never had it as bad as others.
It made me think about times my boyfriend was judged just because he’s Mexican of mixed race. The experiences my black friends have gone through just because they’re black. I’ve always wondered [how] it’s “okay” for people to make judgments because someone’s Black, Mexican, or of other ethnicities. There are times when I think about it and get really upset because it makes me wonder, “why would someone raise [their child] to think of others in such an inferior way?”
Once the George Floyd/BLM protests set off, I was overwhelmed because I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t want to just post “anything” on social media without getting my facts straight, but I knew I had to start somewhere. So I started off by checking in on two of my best friends who are of African-American descent to make sure they know that I stand with them. I was also able to get their perspective on things, which is what I wanted. I’ve also signed petitions and have donated to the movement. That’s just a start, but I’m still learning how to be more aware and trying to be more involved in this movement any way I can.
Clarissa: With BLM, it’s made me recognize as a woman of color in a predominantly white office, that my seat at the table matters more than ever for my students and for myself. Also, this pandemic was messin’ with my glow up progress. I was killin’ it in OrangeTheory and miss the studio so much.
Nikki: Personally, it’s definitely been difficult, but I think that’s a good thing. Both the pandemic and civil unrest has given me a lot of time to reflect on specific issues. Although it can be uncomfortable sometimes, I know that’s the only way I’ll be able to grow as a person. So cheesy, but it’s true!
Professionally, the pandemic thankfully hasn’t taken my job away from me. However, it has made the workflow a little slower, which has actually been nice – less stress in that area of my life. Working from home full time was a bit of an adjustment at first, but now that I’m used to it, I really don’t know how I’ll feel about going back once everything opens again. I’ve actually really liked being home (LOL). The only thing that sucks is that I miss seeing and talking to (some) co-workers every day.
Having said all that, I’m pretty upset with my company’s stance on the current state of affairs. They released a “statement” (quotations because I don’t even think you can call it that), basically saying they aren’t going to do anything to address the issue or help in any way. My company is predominantly white, so it really didn’t surprise me the more I thought about it. Still, it was definitely the cherry on top of what was already a horrible week. I can’t even be proud of the company I’m working for, which has me seriously looking for employment elsewhere.
What’s your self-care act?
- Everyone who knows me well enough knows how much I value sleep. I need at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
- We’ve been raising money at my job for the American Lung Association COVID-19 initiative by participating in a Steps Challenge since Memorial Day. I’ve never been the work out type of girl, but trying to get my steps in has made me feel more alive and boosted my energy.
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- I need my antioxidants and caffeine.
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- I use Bioré nose strips once a week to get those blackheads out. I try and wash my face twice a day with my Neutrogena Oil-Free Cream Cleanser. Then, moisturize my face with Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer afterward.
- A book I’m currently reading is More Myself: A Journey, an autobiography of Alicia Keys and her rise to fame. She talks about the difficult situations she has gone through to get where she is today. I just love her!
- I love candles from Bath & Body Works. I get through them fast, but not so much during these warm days.
- New Girl is my go-to when I’ve had a shitty day. Who doesn’t love Schmidt?
- My favorite childhood movie of all time is Heavyweights. I love Ben Stiller, and I may or may not have a shirt that says, “I’m perkisizing!” It’s so nostalgic for me. Plus, there ain’t nothing wrong with bringing yourself back to those simpler times.
- I just have to have something in my system, or else my hangriness takes over. My boyfriend can vouch for that lol.
- I have a shiatsu neck massager that has been relieving my stress and neck pains.
- I love my family, friends, and boyfriend. I really do! But there are times when I need to be in solitude and do my own thing to self-reflect and get my thoughts together. Once I get myself together, I’ll hit y’all up. 😉
