On March 16, 2020, the lives of New Yorkers changed forever as COVID-19 began to ravage the state. A week later, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced non-essential businesses were to shut down operations under the PAUSE- Policy Assuring Uniform Safety for Everyone – Act. Cuomo, and many other leaders around the world began ordering their citizens to stay inside, and only leave their homes for essential activities such as getting groceries or picking up medication. May 15, 2020 will mark the end of the official order in New York, depending on whether the state meets certain criteria and what data from experts shows about the state’s current infection rate.
From my morning mixed berry smoothie to getting to spend time with my roommate, these are the “little things” that I have found to bring positivity to my life, and make being stuck inside more bearable.
Nutritious eating and drinking is more important than ever for me. I have a mixed fruit smoothie with breakfast almost daily now. May 2, 2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
My day can’t begin without an episode of “The Real” even if I’ve seen it before. May 2, 2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
My roommate, Margaret, and I stand on the balcony of our Bushwick apartment to enjoy the nice weather. May 2, 2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
A vision board is a great way to visualize and plan for what’s to come in the year ahead. I started a vision board at the end of 2019 and I work on it if I have free time. May 2,2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
During the pandemic, I have been doing a lot more cooking and baking than usual. I have enjoyed trying new recipes. May 2, 2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
My cousin DJ is a pediatrician in England. I got the opportunity to interview him about how his hospital is handling the pandemic. May 2,2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
My rooftop has been my escape when I need a breathe of fresh air. May 2, 2020, Photo by Sope Aluko
This is a project of Lori Grinker’s NYU graduate photojournalism class.
