By Dan Nolin on October 20, 2020 Photograph of Lake Harriet by Dan Nolin Introducing a series of feature stories analyzing art, healthcare, and where they intersect. Hello, MCADians! I’d like to introduce myself: I’m Dan Nolin, a sophomore photography major and a new member of MCAD’s student reporter team. Professionally, I have been in healthcare for over four years, including working at one of the top three hospitals in the country. Because of my background, I am passionate about wellness, visual arts, and how they can intermingle. Throughout the semester, I will be researching and creating feature stories, often asking for input from you, MCAD’s student body, on the topic. For my first story, I reached out to my friend and mentor John W., MD, who currently practices in Oregon* to chat about physical distancing, tips on stress management during the academic year, and his favorites in the visual arts. College students are always under pressure, but right now is a particularly difficult time. What are two tips you have for students to limit stress after a day of online courses? Take a hike outside. Veg out to your favorite music. The outdoors are a great escape! What has been one of your favorite physically distanced activities? Getting out on the lake on the boat. It's nice to have a stream of fresh air blowing past. Who is a favorite artist of yours? Trevor Southey. He does artistic male nudes. The male nude is rare—most artists gravitate towards the female form. Which art style do you like the best? Abstract. It feels more natural, flowing, and random rather than contrived and rigid. COVID-19 has changed the way we interact with one another. Any thoughts on how people can maintain their relationships while committing to safety protocols? Socialize outdoors with a little distance and you can restore some sense of normalcy. Inspired by Dr. John’s suggestions, I asked students around campus: How are you coping with physical distancing? “I’ve been doing okay. I honestly feel like the only difference between now and life before social distancing is just wearing a mask. I work retail, so I get a lot of my in-person social interaction from that. Since the weather has been nice, I do things with friends outside like go on walks and to the dog park. With winter approaching, I spend most of my time inside anyway.” —Alyssa Cavanaugh, entrepreneurship studies major “I started this thing called Story Circle with four other women. If you've never heard of a Story Circle, it's basically where you gather a few people and a facilitator prompts participants to tell a story about something. This story circle has women of very diverse ages. It's been a really amazing thing to have during quarantine. We meet at least once a month over Zoom.” —Kyra Nygard, photography major “I video chat a lot with my senior project partner. Sometimes we still meet up at MCAD (with masks) if there’s a problem that’s easier to solve in person. Otherwise, I’m working from my apartment most of the time, only going out for groceries, usually.” —Caleb Richardson, animation major “By walking my dogs around Lake Harriet."—Ky Page, photography major *Due to confidentiality, Dr. John’s full name and employer cannot be disclosed.