Lives changed throughout the world in 2020. See how the pandemic impacted some of our young volunteers.
ANDREA. Hi everyone! My name is Andrea, and I am a junior at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. I am a psychology major and double minoring in forensic studies and communications. When I graduate, I plan on going into the public relations field or becoming a licensed clinical counselor. I am home this semester due to the pandemic and have been spending a lot of time with my family, especially a lot of time with our newest addition –Holly! Holly is our 8-month-old golden retriever we got in May, and she is the sweetest dog in the world.
I love how reading transports you to a different reality when you are deeply invested in a book. A good book can suck me in for hours if I really enjoy the plot and characters. I also love reading children’s books through Ohana100 because it reminds me of when I was a child and when my parents used to read my siblings and me bedtime stories. My favorite children’s books to read are the Christmas ones because they are so magical and exciting!
I have been impacted by COVID a lot. I was in my sophomore year of college when we were sent home from our school last March, and I have not been back to school since then. My university decided to do remote learning this semester (like many other schools), so my days have been filled with Zoom meetings. Also, a lot of my college friends live very far away from me, so I have not seen a lot of them in months. I was also supposed to study abroad this spring in Athens, Greece but that was cancelled due to the pandemic. I was really looking forward to traveling throughout Europe, but I know now is not the best time to study abroad. Fortunately, nobody I know has tested positive for COVID, and I am very grateful my family and friends are healthy during this difficult time.
I found the best way to cope with the pandemic is to do something you are passionate about and genuinely enjoy doing! I have started to cook and bake a lot over the last few months, and my family encourages me to do so! They love when I bake sweet treats and cook elaborate meals. My favorite dish I made were shrimp tacos, and my favorite dessert I made was key lime pie (also my family’s favorite!). Another way I cope with the pandemic is through exercising and working out. I ran a LOT over the summer and am thinking about running a half marathon when the pandemic ends. Running is a great way to relieve stress, and a good run leaves me feeling relaxed and accomplished afterwards.
One thing I learned about myself during these times is that I do not mind spending time alone. The pandemic has taught me to be more independent and appreciate quiet and calmness. Although, I do miss my friends and talking to them constantly, it is sometimes relaxing to be able to spend some more time by myself. However, I do text my friends and call them regularly, but it is nice to have the option to have a day where I do not have to interact with people and can just focus on self-care.
I really like the phrase, “This too shall pass.” Everything comes to an end eventually—good or bad. There will be an end to the pandemic, and the world will eventually turn back to normal. It may take some time, but it will happen eventually. I hope everybody and their loved ones stay safe during this scary time, and don’t forget to wear your mask!!
Thank you, Andrea Ludwig
ANNIKA
I am a freshman in high school. Although I don’t really have any career aspirations yet, I’d like to be accepted into a good college. I am active in Girl Scouts and my school tech club.
I enjoy swimming, biking, and reading. The thing I enjoy most about reading is that I get to help children with their literacy, especially during a time that is hard for everyone.
Covid has impacted me because I miss seeing my friends most days, and I miss going places. I have been coping by texting and Face timing my friends often, and going on socially-distanced walks with a friend.
Sincerely, Annika
CAITYLN. I am currently a senior and I really enjoy involving myself in performing arts, including dance, singing, and musical theater. I also enjoy drawing, baking and cheerleading. I hope to achieve my goal of reading more often because it helps improve memory, empathy and our vocabulary. And I hope to one day be a Broadway performer and an actress.
Some things I enjoy about reading are how you get to use hour imagination and allow yourself to experience multiple realities.
Although covid prevented me from experiencing a full senior year experience, it gave me more time to hangout with my family, read more and find new hobbies. I learned that I enjoy baking and reading romance novels. If you put your heart into it and just keep trying no more doubt, your dreams will come true.
Have an amazing day!
What I enjoy most abut volunteering is the fact that I’m not just helping the people around me, but the other living things that help us and that community we live in. Volunteering gives me a chance to help out and make our environment a better place.
CATHERINE
Hello! I’m Catherine, I find that learning new things and meeting new people is so important. Algebra, Music, and Chemistry are my favorite classes at the moment! Getting a better understanding about the world around us, I find awesome.
I’ve studied many instruments throughout the years since I was 3 years old. It all began with the violin, and through that I eventually moved on and towards alternate and wide aspects of music genres and instruments.
Writing and reading has always been a big part of my growth, not only in my mind but my character. Reading allows me to broaden my views, open my eyes to new meanings. Then, what other way to convey ones matter than writing it down. When I write, I can put down whatever I wish, however I want to, whenever I can.
COVID-19 has impacted everyones life. As a high school student, I'm discovering that I’m loosing connections with friends I haven’t spoken to or seen in months. Along with the challenge of grasping knowledge at a distance, sometimes, having to teach myself.
Though it seems this way, all terrible and never-ending, "Everybody wants happiness, nobody wants pain; but there can't be a rainbow without a little rain”. I’ve understood so much about myself that I didn’t know before. I’ve taken time for my family more than before. I’ve truly made some bonds stronger, even from a far. Before the coronavirus, everything way so fast. Breakfast, school, swim, homework, sleep and repeat. It was this cycle of doing things that had broken all of a sudden.
I believe everything happens for a reason, this tragic pandemic has made people ponder, wonder, take time for themselves and loved ones (near or far).
JACOB
I am a student at Northeastern University with aspirations to become a physical therapist! I am completing my undergraduate degree in biochemistry this May and will be attending Northeastern's DPT graduate program once I do. I enjoy running, lifting, skiing, and spending time with friends & family.
I enjoy reading to others because I enjoy doing whatever I can to make a difference in the community. I used to love reading as a kid, and I believe that every child should have the opportunity to read!
I am thankful that I have not been impacted by COVID-19 to the extent that many others have. My family, friends, and I have remained healthy during the pandemic. The biggest impact COVID-19 had on me was that it cut my spring 2020 semester short, as I was sent home from school in March and did not return until June.
Since returning in June, I have been working as an aide in a physical therapy clinic in downtown Boston, where the impact that COVID-19 has had on daily life is very apparent. Patients must get their temperatures taken before entering the clinic and exercise with masks on while I clean any and everything with disinfecting wipes. COVID-19 has been tough, but I recommend getting outdoors for a walk, run, or hike to cope. Spending time with a small group of friends while still being safe can also be a good way to get your mind off of the pandemic. Reading is also a great hobby to participate in during COVID-19, which is another reason why I think Ohana100's help is so important! Stay strong everyone!
KAEYLA
Hi my name is Kaeyla and I’m in 8th grade. I go to Jarrett middle school. I love to dance especially hula. I have been dancing for 5 years at Hinepoeiti. I love jazz and of course I love to read too. It’s one of my favorite things because I can go anywhere by just flipping a page. The thing I enjoy most about reading to kids is the look on there faces because they get so excited and it makes the experience so special.
During this time of COVID, I cope by staying in contact with my friends and family. My sister had to come back from college. I’ve got to spend a lot more time with her and it’s nice to have some bonding time. My family and I love to do board games and if we want to get out of the house we take a ride around the island. The thing I miss most is doing musical. I loved it and not being able to finish it this year made it a lot harder. I know times are hard , but if we work together things will get better soon.
SARAH
Hello! My name is Sarah, and I am a junior at Williamsville East High School! My favorite subjects in school are math and science. Although they are my hardest subjects, they are my favorite because they are interesting to learn about and teach me how to work hard. I hope to achieve a lot this year. It may be more difficult due to some restrictions, but nothing is impossible. I plan to join new clubs and get involved in other extracurricular activities that I've never tried before.
I enjoy reading because it is my favorite stress relieving activity. I love the images that my brain produces when reading and the happiness I receive after I read. It is a great way to learn and stay active in education while doing something that I enjoy. A good book can keep me busy for hours, and the best books are the ones that I never want to put down.
I also love trying new books and extending my knowledge and educating myself through reading books. I also find great joy in reading remotely to children learning in school through Ohana100!
COVID has impacted me in many different ways. COVID has been hard on me and many others due to not being able to see loved ones. I miss my friends and extended family whom I have not seen in months! COVID has also played a role in my education. Learning has been a lot more difficult now that I am not going to school five days a week. COVID has also impacted me in a positive way as well. During the pandemic, I decided to get a job at Wegmans which is an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for the pandemic.
This is a very difficult time, but I’ve been doing a lot to cope with the pandemic. In my free time, I’ve been trying to focus more on myself. I enjoy running cross country, playing with my new puppy, reading new books, and walking. The pandemic has given me plenty of time to self-reflect and has taught me how to be grateful for everything in life. During these times, I have learned a lot about myself. I have learned how to become more independent and how to have better time management skills. I have also learned how to entertain myself to keep busy, stay positive during difficult times, and how to make the best of negative situations. I know this time is difficult for us all, but always remember to stay positive! Everything happens for a reason and will work out in the end! Stay safe and healthy!