Opening Up while Working from Home
MAY 7, 2020Some of our favorite things about May are the longer days and the warmer weather. In the time of COVID-19, the sunny days of May make it a bit more palatable as we continue our efforts to “flatten the curve” during our Work from Home mandate. It is critical we keep our minds agile in the world of scientific communications, so our account coordinator Vanessa Borkhoche shares how she is sharpening her strengths and maintaining her cool in this bright new month.
Vanessa parlays Work from Home as a “learning curve.” Insightful and honest as being adaptive is certainly a learned strength when isolated in Philadelphia in an apartment in a relatively higher-risk city environment.
One of the ways Vanessa is getting creative in this time of quarantine is by harnessing her inner chef and fine tuning her palate. Her new routine begins with a trip to the kitchen where she whips up a homemade breakfast. This culinary artistry continues into the evening as Vanessa experiments with new recipes for dinner, perfectly paired with a glass of wine.
Fortunately, Vanessa’s apartment offers an extra bedroom that has been converted into her home office. Complete with two monitors, something she refused to entertain before, this expanded computer functionality allows for maximum efficiency.
Vanessa Finds Two Monitors Work Better than One
"Vanessa has found new ways to exercise by exploring Philadelphia’s hidden trails and local hiking grounds, which are a great way to keep social distancing while escaping the confines of home."
Seeking Solace and Sun on Philadelphia’s Secret Hiking Trails
All work and no play, however, is not a part of our AlphaBioCom culture. So on a recent sunny day, Vanessa set up shop on a grassy knoll and picnic blanket alongside the Schuylkill River. As Mother Nature continues to shine, Vanessa plans to put her patio to work as her outside office space and perch above the City of Brotherly Love. She hopes the open air will help manage the inconsistency she feels by not being able to go out regularly and break up the day with the gym and visits to loved ones. Fortunately, Vanessa has found new ways to exercise by exploring Philadelphia’s hidden trails and local hiking grounds, which are a great way to keep social distancing while escaping the confines of home.
In terms of absences, Vanessa misses her colleagues at the office and the ease of communicating with team members. The upside – wearing yoga pants and sweats all day long, and of course, no more dreaded commute on the Expressway!
So what’s Vanessa’s first go-to when the city reopens? Philadelphia’s award-winning restaurant scene and the countless eateries for which the city is lauded. She is also ready for a beach getaway to soak up some vitamin D complete with an ocean breeze and sandy landing. And when she is back at the office, she’s setting up a second monitor at her desk to continue the ease of her new double-screened work life!
Thanks, Vanessa, for your eye on what’s happening at this time in Philadelphia. We miss your clever wit and contagious laugh that help make our days brighter. See you in person soon!