Crybaby’s “Girls on” series has been around since our first month in publication, interviewing young women in cities all around the world, and having local photographers take their portraits. But with the Covid-19 Pandemic and subsequent quarantines around the world, we had to rethink how we do the series.
For this unique edition, Hana Mendel photo-directed and edited the portraits of these four young women, in very different places and circumstances, conducting everything over the internet.
Milk, 22, Chiang Muan, Thailand
How long have you been in quarantine/self-isolation/at home?
About 2 and a half months.
How has your quarantine been?
I think [quarantine in Thailand] is quite similar to other countries. We were advised to stay at home, but since April, our government has imposed curfew from 10 PM to 4 AM so we can’t go outside during these times. It’s kinda strict. Actually during this time of the year it’s supposed to be a long weekend and celebration time for our traditional New Year or Songkran Festival. But this year is totally feel different because it was canceled and people can’t gather for partying or drinking since our government also banned the sale of alcohol. But there is a good side to quarantine [since] this is gonna be the longest time in a decade that I [have been able to] stay home. Because after turning 12, I’ve never stayed home more than two months.
What are you watching, reading, listening to right now?
Recently I’m watching a lot of K-Dramas like “Itaewon Class” and “Crash Landing on You.” Also rewatching “Gossip Girl” season one. I haven’t read any books. But I’m listening to “Lazy” a song from a band named “Surfaces.” Their songs are really good and the design of their album covers are so pretty.
Have you tried anything new while in quarantine?
I have tried to bake, but it didn’t go well [laughs]. But I will keep doing it—I’m sure one day I will able to eat my own baked goods.
How do you stay productive during quarantine? How do you make your workspace productive?
I’ve forced myself to take a shower twice a day just like I do in my normal life, before quarantine, so I can feel like a new day has started. Also, so I can study or do anything with good emotions. I’ve try to setup my new working space by putting some fake tree near the desk and changing the desk position to where I can look outside the window easily so I won’t get bored after a long period of working.
Zahra, 21, Montclair, NJ
How long have you been in quarantine/self-isolation/at home?
I have been in quarantine for seven weeks.
How has your quarantine been?
Quarantine has surprisingly been really nice. I was studying abroad in Paris and had to come home early. I thought I was going to be more upset about having to cut the semester short, but I feel very blessed knowing that my loved ones are in good health and that I have a safe place to come home to. It’s been a little difficult getting into the academic mindset especially because all of my courses are in French, but i’m not sweating it too much.
What are you watching, reading, listening to right now?
I just finished reading “Modern Lovers” and “Play it As it Lays” and have recently started “2666.” I’m watching season 6 of “Love Island” and started watching “This Country” last week. I also really like watching “Grand Designs” on Netflix. I find it very relaxing. I’ve been listening to music by Hawa, Tennis, Lancey Foux, Buju Banton, and Kelela a lot lately.
Have you tried anything new while in quarantine?
I’ve started working out more and dedicating more time to stretching in the morning which has been really nice!
How do you stay productive during quarantine? How do you make your workspace productive?
I don’t, but I recently cleaned off my desk, so hopefully having new/clean workspace will push me to be more productive. I think being in a space that’s clean with lots of natural light makes working and being productive a lot more enjoyable. I also stay motivated by giving myself lots of breaks. I try not to be too hard on myself for the little amount of work I’m doing.
Khristina, 21, Prague (originally from Slovakia)
How long have you been in quarantine/self-isolation/at home?
I have been stuck inside with myself for weeks now, and I don’t even know if I can count them.
How has your quarantine been?
Life in Prague has been [less fun and calmer] than ever, but no one is really following the rules anymore and it’s starting to be a bit scary since the streets are starting to fill again. For me actually, luckily nothing [has] dramatically changed, except for my mental health, but I will find out after the quarantine if it was for better or worse.
What are you watching, reading, listening to right now?
Reading some world mythology and listening to Justin Bieber mostly.
Have you tried anything new while in quarantine?
I invented movie/karaoke baths, which are somedays keeping me alive, and I tried to run for one second but it was too exhausting so I quit.
How do you stay productive during quarantine? How do you make your workspace productive?
I’m reorganising my flat every two days so I won’t get bored inside of it and I’m just imagining every next day as the best day of my life, even though it’s not always working. And the fact that I can focus on my projects and myself maybe, more then before is motivating but also a bit tiring and annoying sometimes.
Ale, 21, South Central Los Angeles
How long have you been in quarantine/self-isolation/at home?
I left school March 13th, since then I’ve been home doing my best to self-isolate with the exception of a few car rides just to get a change of scenery.
How has your quarantine been?
Quarantine has been weird: I go about my day and think I’ll be able to get back to everything soon and then I look at any type of news source and I’m reminded all over again about how serious it is. I’m grateful that being in LA at least means there’s good weather to sit out in my front lawn.
What are you watching, reading, listening to right now?
I’m rewatching “New Girl” for like the 15th time and waiting on the new season of “la casa de las flores.” Most of my days are spent listening to music which has led to a weird combination of Spanish music and stuff like Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and One Direction mixed in between.
Have you tried anything new while in quarantine?
Yes! I started learning simple coding stuff and it’s made me feel so smart. I also downloaded Photoshop and I’m learning to navigate that. I figured it’d be useful stuff to list on my resume once I get the hang of it.
How do you stay productive during quarantine? How do you make your workspace productive?
I’ve come to rely so much on my Passion Planner. The first few weeks I kind of just kept random notes of stuff that had to get done, but once I started assigning certain things to specific days, I started holding myself accountable. Thankfully my sister sits with me a does her own work to keep me motivated.