MODELS REFLECT ISOLATION: AZIZBEK OCHILOV

AZIZBEK OCHILOV, 18, Brooklyn, NY at New York Models

reflecting isolation

F WORD: What are your top 5 interests? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: Taekwondo, billiards, dad jokes, clapping with 1 hand and drawing.

F WORD: How have you been dealing with the whole isolation thing? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: In the beginning, I thought this wouldn’t have too much of an impact on my life but boy wasn't I wrong. At first, when this whole thing started, I played games with friends, had few family game nights and just binged watched Youtube videos. Then when I got tired of games, I randomly ordered a harmonica for fun, because why not right, so I had a blast just messing around with it. Speaking of instruments; I came across my old saxophone, in which I haven’t touched in years. I decided to practice some tunes I grew up playing in elementary school, especially the iconic Pink Panther theme song. Now I am planning to get a better grip on my studies and focus on schoolwork since online classes are becoming harder by the day.

F WORD: How are you feeling about the COVID-19 pandemic? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: I first I heard about it through memes online but I didn’t take it too seriously. Once the viral videos of people in China surfaced on the internet I started taking extra precautions. I believe that as long as people have hope and just stay quarantined, this pandemic should be over with soon.

F WORD: What are your thoughts on how your government and the world are dealing with it? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: I believe that shutting down schools and public gatherings was a good idea by our government. I see that people are quarantined in their homes worldwide, in which I stand by since this virus cannot spread too far if we all just stay indoors. Scientists have been working on vaccines and treatments, especially with the technology we have in 2020. I feel confident that this pandemic should be over with soon.

F WORD: The best thing you’ve been able to do since isolation: AZIZBEK OCHILOV: The best thing I’ve been able to do is to have more appreciation for the normal life I had before this isolation. Sometimes we take things for granted until something makes us appreciate it later. I used to complain about going to class early in the morning, commuting an hour just to get to school, sitting in long lectures and working seven-hour shifts. Now that I’ve been sitting at home for more than 2 weeks, I just can't wait to get back to my normal schedule.

F WORD: What do you miss the most right now (due to isolation)?

AZIZBEK OCHILOV: Honestly, I miss seeing my friends, calling them isn’t doing enough justice. I miss clowning with my good friends and spending time together. I also miss playing pool with friends at school, we always get a good laugh and when the whole group is in the game room and we argue who got next on the table.

F WORD: What would be your perfect soundtrack for this time? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: The soundtrack used in the movie Spacejam.

F WORD: Can you suggest a movie/series/or book we should check out during isolation? AZIZBEK OCHILOV: One show I really enjoyed watching was 'The Last Man on Earth' in which a guy that is supposedly the last person on earth finds different ways to keep himself entertained. I had a blast watching it. I guess it is somewhat relatable to our current situation.

F WORD: A hopeful statement to encourage others: AZIZBEK OCHILOV: Well, the infected cases are dropping in big numbers over the days, and every day we get closer and closer to finding a cure. Keep ya head up, take healthy naps and stay indoors. Remember - tough times never last, only tough people last.

F WORD: Favourite f-word: AZIZBEK OCHILOV: Facilities. I don’t think you have the facilities for that, big man! (Read in UK accent).

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