Written by Ian McDonnell

Illustration by Mansi Shah

COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on California residents this year and staying home has proven to be the most effective precaution to avoid contracting the virus. Due to instruction being conducted virtually this semester, many students who would typically be moved into the dorms or an apartment near campus are saving money and learning from the comfort of their parents’ or family homes. With more time spent around family members, students may find themselves irritated and resort to excessive screen time getaways. However, a shift in one’s mindset from ‘I wish I was somewhere else’ to ‘I have everything I need right here’ will encourage positive relationships within your family.

Family and friends are truly all we have in life, so enjoy the moments you have with them. Instead of excessive screen time, go out for a late-night walk with your parents when no one is around, or continue that home workout routine you’ve been doing and invite your parents to join. Not only will this motivate you to win free tuition via the Student Rec & Wellness Center’s (SRWC) Owen’s Condition for Tuition challenge, but it will also strengthen the bond between people who would never turn their backs on each other.

The SRWC offers numerous online fitness classes during our closure such as yoga via Instagram Live and engaging cardio sessions via Zoom. We encourage you to join the scheduled online sessions posted on our website, and next time, invite someone from your family! Don’t forget to send us a funny or creative photo of your workout afterwards.

After all those workouts with your parents, make sure to invite them to our facility upon reopening. All CSULB students may sponsor their immediate family members for a rolling monthly or annual membership, so encourage your family to be a part of ours at the SRWC. We hope to (virtually) see you very soon.