Another in a series, we check in with Brandeis student-athletes about how they've handled the unique situations presented by the spring and summer of 2020.
Ben Francis will be a senior on the men's swimming and diving team next year, while Bailey Gold is a sophomore. Bailey is a four-time record-holder, in the 50- and 100-yard butterfly and as a member of the 400-yard freestyle and medley relays.
How did your classes go last semester? Did you do well with virtual learning?
Ben: The transition to online learning was difficult, distractions became much more prevalent and since my bed was right there, it was very tempting to go to sleep. However, my classes still went well! I finished up strong my junior year of spring semester despite the very unusual transition.
Bailey: I did do well with virtual learning. However, doing class from home definitely makes it harder to stay focused and motivated compared to doing classes in an academic environment surrounded by your peers.
How did you spend your free time?
Ben: Over the summer, I've been volunteering at two physical therapy clinics helping around the offices and getting experience in a PT setting, and I've also been doing yard work for my neighbor to make a little bit of money on the side. It's been tough since all the things I did apply to for the summer were cancelled, but I'm making it work regardless.
Bailey: I spend my free time writing, making music, working out, attending protests, and belting songs in my room far too loudly.
What's the best movie or show you saw?
Ben: The best movie/show I saw so far would have to be Tiger King.
Bailey: The best show I saw was When They See Us.
What's something that you didn't expect to like that you did?
Ben: Something I didn't expect was for me to actually still have something to do over the summer with all the things that are going on. I'm really thankful for the PT clinics that were able to have me as volunteers!
Bailey: I've been working for Instacart getting groceries for people and I really enjoy the job because I really like being surrounded by food at all times.
How have you kept engaged with your coaches and teammates?
Ben: Since I'm a senior now, I've been trying to take a bigger part in the leadership role of our team. I've been in closer contact with the coach and my teammates as well. I want my senior year to be the best year I've had despite the COVID craziness.
Bailey: The BUSDT has been doing virtual workouts on Zoom together. We also did a team Sweat-A-Thon where we raised over $1400 dollars for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. My friends and I FaceTime regularly, and play Cards Against Humanity/ watch movies over zoom.
How have you kept in shape for your sport?
Ben: I've been trying to go for runs and do bodyweight workouts at home, but it's been tough. As soon as the pools open in NYC I'm going right back to one.
Bailey: The pools near me just reopened so I am finally able to swim! Prior to that I was doing our team workouts on Zoom and following different workout videos on YouTube.
What's the first thing you want to do when you get back onto campus?
Ben: The first thing I want to do when I get back on campus is see my friends. I haven't seen many people since we got sent home early and needed to quarantine/socially distance, so seeing friends for the first time in a while would be very nice.
Bailey: Give my friends socially distanced hugs!