Today is my 21st birthday and it looks a lot different than my birthdays have been in the past. This time last year there were so many unknowns surrounding COVID-19 and I still thought I would be returning to school after Spring Break.
So much has changed but I am blessed that my family, friends, and I have all remained healthy throughout this pandemic. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic we will not have a Spring Break; so, this is the first time in my life where I won’t get to spend my birthday at home in Florida.
For sake of transparency, I will admit that I am sad that I am unable to go home but I also understand the importance of limiting non-essential travel during the pandemic. Even though my heart does hurt a little, I have an amazing support system that will help to make my day both safe and fun! There are plenty of birthdays spent on campus so there is plenty to do on campus and in South Bend while maintaining COVID-19 protocols!
AMC Movie Theatre Rental
Starting at $99, you can rent a private theatre for up to twenty people! They are showing classics, such as Back to the Future, Indiana Jones, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and more! They also have a great selection of new movies such as Boogie, Raya, Promising Young Woman, and many other exciting films! This is a great activity as you can safely get off campus for a few hours and watch a movie with a few friends.
South Bend River Lights
Here is a beautiful and free activity! The gorgeous LED lights next to the St. Joseph River fire up thirty minutes before sunset and remain on until sunrise. If you want to check out the interactive features of the river lights, you have to get there before midnight. As long as you are masked up and are socially distanced, this makes for a great COVID-safe, birthday activity!
Skating at Howard Park
Get off campus, support local business, and take advantage of the cold weather! Go ice skating at Howard Park with a few friends and take some cute on-ice pictures. Skate rental is only $10, which is a small price to pay for a few hours of fun!
These are just a few of the fun activities you can do for your birthday! There are also many great South Bend restaurants you can order takeout from, such as Nom Nom Pho, the Chicory Cafe, and Peggs. Once you get your food, you can find beautiful benches in downtown South Bend to enjoy your meal with a few friends. Even though birthday celebrations may look different this year, you can still have fun and stay healthy