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The One With Another Lockdown

    The beginning of the month marked the end for me. On the first of November, I got out of quarantine, went for a run, and finally made it to Radley! So far I am loving Radley and the fantastic people here. Everyone I have met is super kind, engaging, and inclusive. I keep being told that people are sorry that I had to come "at a time like this," but honestly, I'm just glad to be here. The day before I was to leave, Saturday, 31 October, Boris Johnson, England's Prime Minister made an announcement that starting 5 November, the nation would go into a lockdown which was to end next month on 2 December. Which gave me about three days to meet people and try to get some sort of experience of normalcy before we go into a month-long lockdown. Those three days were full of getting settled in and making sure I knew somewhat of what was going on. Then came lockdown. If you thought that the little lockdown we had in Ohio was bad, you should be here for this. Only essential businesses are open, all restaurants are take away only, and according to the government rules, they are allowed to impose a minimum £200 fine for violating the lockdown going up to as much as £6400. (The pound is just a little more than a dollar) 

    Here at Radley, we are doing what we can to maintain a healthy and safe environment for the students. Students and staff are encouraged to sanitise every time you touch something and every time you enter or leave a building. Masks are to be worn in every corridor, in each building, and any time you are near another person. So you get used to wearing a mask very quick. (On masks, the Copperfit masks at Home Depot are the BEST masks I've worn, I brought three with me to the UK. If you're struggling with an uncomfortable mask, give them a try.) Overall, the lockdown feels much more foreboding than the one we had in Ohio.

    I have been handling the lockdown alright, I have established something called a social bubble, which I'll talk more about later, and have been able to make friends. I am taking time to learn some new skills and get some work done here in the Design department at Radley. I was able to make a T-Rex head on a 3D printer that is one of my favourite things I have printed so far. (See the bottom of the post for the picture) I have also been helping the students use CAD programs and figure out how to use the machines here. I have also started helping a football (soccer) team here as an assistant coach which has been a lot of fun. Even football rules have been changed because of COVID. For example, throw-ins are no longer allowed, the ball has to be kicked in, and every half, we have to wash the ball. But they boys are still having fun and that's what matters. 

    In conclusion, I know it's not as bad in the states as it is here in the UK, but please do your part to make sure you and your family are taking necessary precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please wear your mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands.

    As always, thank you for taking the time to read about my lockdown experience so far. Cheers! Tymon.

T-Rex Skull printed at Radley

Location: Abingdon, UK

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