I am a graduate of Lockdown University
As the days of the lockdown extend, I take advantage of it and use it for “me time.” Like most people, before all of this, my life was quite full and busy. I was always in a rush and constantly wished for more time for myself. Voila! The universe has clearly answered me.
As I write this, I’ve been 47 days at home (except that one time a stepped out for essentials). It’s a good time to look inward and notice the transformation I am going through. Whether I detect it easily or not, I will definitely emerge from this cocoon a different person. I know my perspectives will change.
Technology is a big part of this “self-discovery.” There are Zoom calls for work, family and friends. In this time of isolation, I have never been more connected. This technologically assisted social connection keeps me engaged and productive.
Taking online classes is also popular during this lockdown. I marvel at the various topics and speakers out there — people willing to share their thoughts, skills and even become personal teachers for you. So far, I have taken the following classes; here are my takeaways.
“The Science of Wellbeing” by Professor Laurie Santos at Coursera.org.
This is said to the most popular course at Yale University today and tackles the elusive state and misconceptions of happiness. Coursera.org offered it for free as the lockdowns spread all over the world. An overwhelming two million happiness-seekers have taken this course online. I have to tell you that this is not fluffy or “new-agey” stuff. Everything is based on scientific research and data. There are skills to be gained that will contribute to your happiness, such as gratitude, meditation and savoring. A key takeaway for me was that a good job, lots of money, awesome stuff, true love, the perfect body and perfect grades do not make one happy. What?! A gazillion bucks and having the body of Bella Hadid won’t make me happy?! Professor Santos admits that, okay, maybe it will; but this kind of happiness has its limitations, and will cease to work after a while. Take note: lasting happiness can only come from acts of kindness, social connection, time affluence, mind control (which simply means focusing on being present) and healthy practices. There was so much more I learned; I could go on and on. I did notice that, while I was taking “The Science of Wellbeing,” I was so lost in it, so immersed, and — how shall I say it? — happy.
“Creativity and Leadership by Anna Wintour” at Masterclass.com
I am certain that this is one of the more popular online courses being taken. Who doesn’t know Anna Wintour, Vogue’s forever editor-in-chief? She is a global fashion force where her endorsement can change the destiny of an up-and-coming designer. In this course, Wintour talks about her leadership style, which is surprisingly non-dictatorial and very collaborative. Video clips of her meetings are shown to prove this point. She is open to her staff members’ many ideas and decides quickly what they will include in the next issue of Vogue. What struck me was that Wintour is very much in tune with the times, which is why she is way ahead and sets trends. The fashion boss tackles Leadership, Decision-Making, Dealing with Criticism, and gives management tips.
It is important to note that Wintour leads with a vision and every issue of Vogue has a point of view. Since fashion is an important expression of shifts in culture or a reflection of the world we live in, Vogue’s coverage includes political and societal issues. She is a “big picture” person. As expected, she talks about interesting Vogue-related topics such as Iconic Covers, the much-hyped September Issue, and great images by great photographers. What really impresses me about Anna Wintour is that she goes beyond being an editor of a fashion magazine. Her role extends to the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the Vogue Fashion Fund, which supports aspiring designers by providing a cash fund and mentorship. This ensures the future of American fashion and its talents. Another noteworthy project is the Met Gala or Met Ball, a fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. In 1995, when she started this event, it was not the fashionista feast that it has become today. It has evolved to be fashion’s biggest night.
“Creative Writing with Margaret Atwood” at Masterclass.com
I know Margaret Atwood from her dystopian masterpiece The Handmaid’s Tale. I think I held my breath while reading it and was in awe of how she took me into this strange, strange future world. Atwood is a prolific novelist and poet, a globally acclaimed winner of two Booker Prizes, plus the PEN Center USA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, among other prestigious accolades. I was pleasantly surprised at how interesting and funny she was. The course begins with Getting Started as a Writer, and learning to overcome fear, which is the first major obstacle. Other topics include: Story and Plot, Structuring Your Novel, Who Tells the Story, Bring Characters to Life Through Details, Creating Compelling Characters, Writing the Middle and the End, and most importantly, Revision, where precious feedback is given. What I enjoyed were the nuggets I got from her anecdotes and research. A specific example is accurate historical information on women’s underpants and its Victorian conservativeness. Interesting details like these are important in novels and make the reader believe, even if the story is fictional. She also reads aloud from other authors’ works to exhibit the different voices of each one. She highlights various prose styles — such as Baroque, where language is ornamental and very descriptive; or Plainsong, which is Hemingway’s style: straightforward, using shorter sentences. I wondered: if I wrote fiction, what would my style be? Probably somewhere in the middle.
“David Sedaris on Storytelling and Humor” at Masterclass.com
Another writer that interests me is David Sedaris. To be honest, I was not so familiar with his work but I became a fan. He is a New York Times best-selling author and humorist. I stumbled into this course because I was looking for something — anything — to lighten up the mood, at least for me, during this pandemic. It turns out his style reminds me of Nora Ephron, an author I really like. Ephron once said something like “There is no fiction or non-fiction, only narrative.” I guess what she meant was that “Everything is copy.” This is the same for Sedaris who writes about his family, daily encounters, people he knows, his community. Everything and everyone is copy. There were moments in the course where I raised my eyebrows and found certain comments raw, but that is the beauty of his essays or books. As an instructor, some of the topics he brought up were: Turning Observations into Stories, Connecting to Your Reader, Writing About Loved Ones, Ending with Weight, Revision Philosophy and David’s Influences. However, what moved me most were his narrations of sad experiences, which he turned into humor. This wasn’t done in a mean way but in a relatable way. He states that “sorrow gives weight to humor,” which is true because we have all gone through some heartache or sadness in our lives. There was a bonus reading of “The Spirit World,” his essay on family that concerns the last time he saw his sister, who eventually took her own life. It nearly brought me to tears. For Sedaris, everyone’s life is worth writing about.
Right now, I am taking the master class of another writer and storyteller, Neil Gaiman. Maybe I will take “Gardening” or “Cocktail Making” or “Acting” next. The choices seem endless. There’s a world of learning out there and a world of learning in our heads. And I can’t think of a better way to free myself during this current lockdown.
“Bobbi Brown Teaches Makeup and Beauty” at Masterclass.com
With the lockdown, I have already forgotten to put on my face and dress up. So I thought this course by Bobbi Brown might help me look decent when I emerge from the quarantine vacuum. Modesty aside, I think I am a makeup expert myself but since it’s been awhile, I might be a little rusty. Bobbi Brown is known for her makeup style, which is the “no makeup” makeup look. Her beauty philosophy is “quick and natural,” enhancing the person and not the product. Some of the topics she brought up were: Color and Makeup, Foundation, Bronzer and Blush, and Statement Lips. What interested me most were Makeup Mistakes and One-Minute Makeup. Bobbi Brown believes in the beauty of each individual and aims to make her shine with a little help. She is the founder of Bobbi Brown cosmetics and is an institution in the cosmetic industry.
