Online classes leave a lot to be desired, but with the help of some nifty technology, you can bring some joy into the pixels of Zoom! These five virtual backgrounds are in no particular order and customizable to your needs.

1. Are you still mourning the loss of your spring break trip to Atlantis that your mom prohibited you from going on? Instantly get the same Bahamian vibes during that calculus lecture by choosing a snazzy stock image of a room overlooking the beach of your dreams. No one ever has to know that it is not your house! Your classmates will all be secretly jealous because your Zoom self is having the best quarantine ever. Top the look off with your coolest pair of shades and a Hawaiian print shirt. Swim trunks are required.
2. Getting through class can take a lot of mental strength and willpower at times, whether it be at a Harkness table in the humanities building or from under a fuzzy blanket on your bed. Distract your class and yourself from the increasingly bleak news headlines by showing them an image of a hero. Choose someone who inspires hope in the masses through their sheer persistence to reach goals that seem impossible. A few strong options to consider include Senator Bernie Sanders, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and of course Governor Andrew Cuomo.
3. Many performers across the world have continued to share their work over the internet. There is no reason why you cannot do the same for your captive audience! With the support of a Zoom background that looks suspiciously like the Xfinity Theater stage, belt out your favorite shower song from quarantine or crack a couple of jokes you have not had a chance to use yet because of social distancing. The world is your oyster.
4.  If you have watched Tiger King, then you know that Joe Exotic is one of the most admirable people alive. Unfortunately, the Tiger King is in a dire situation and needs the help of all you cool cats and kittens to get the justice he deserves. Spread awareness for the campaign to #FreeJoeExotic of his wrongful charges and prosecute the lady who fed her husband to the cats by advertising images from the show.
5. There will always be that one teacher who gets angry at people who turn off their webcam. For a quick solution, take a picture of yourself in your typical Zoom setup taking diligent notes with your Apple Pencil, and upload it as your virtual background! With your newfound freedom, do something better for your mental health during these challenging times, such as taking a nap or binging Netflix. If the teacher notices, easy! Leave the classroom immediately and rejoin several minutes later. Once you are back in, pass it off as a bad internet connection!