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