In 2020 life changed all over the world. People were forced to wear masks, stay 6 feet apart, not socially gather, and hand sanitizers were everywhere. Worse yet, some people lost their jobs and others were quarantined. Media on every channel was talking about the dangers of social interaction and yet talking about how it was ok to eat out at restaurants but “beware of your dirty landscaper because they might contaminate the gas pump handle”.

In all this chaos there was confrontation on both sides. In many cases people who refused to wear masks were violently attacked both verbally and physically. People were frustrated and needed an escape. Many people chose to self-quarantine out of fear and had little hope of escape from this nightmare.

Many people found refuge online using social media as an outlet where they could post videos, play games, communicate with others, and have a sense of social interaction. Others used this time to watch videos on “how to” subjects so that they could do arts and crafts, do home repairs, or learn an instrument. Online content became the place for commerce.

Among online commerce, people also flocked to Second Life. Here they found refuge with social interaction that felt more personable with the use of avatars in a 3D world. They could shop, learn, play games, and most importantly they could create. Second Life filled the gap of social interactions and became an ecommerce outlet for people to make money from home.

Here at Peninsula College in the Multimedia program we work in Second Life to build a world that people can explore. While exploring our island they also learn more about our program and the possibilities of what we can create. Our Self Care island is full of amazing 3D objects that students have created to help inspire others to begin their Hero’s Journey.