An Open Heart Interview with Young Women Affected by Pandemic
I Interviewed 8 women between the ages of 20-30 years old from different cities. They uncovered their experience and challenges during this pandemic showing resilience and strength during tough times. Here are some of their stories:
How did COVID-19 affect you personally?
“I began to feel sick on March 12 (coughing, fatigue, sinus issues and shortness of breath) and I'm currently still battling some lingering respiratory issues. I couldn’t get tested because “I was young, have no underlying issues, and I didn’t leave the country”. I went to urgent care once, and the ER twice and one by ambulance because I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t get tested because “I was young, have no underlying issues, and I didn’t leave the country”. I went to urgent care once, and the ER twice and one by ambulance because I couldn’t breathe.” Lucia Vazquez, 30, Ocala, FL.
."Since we are in quarantine, I have had to examine my mental health, including intense emotions and triggers because that really is the only option unless I am distracting myself with social media or news. It's been difficult given such big changes in family and work changes. It it changes my routine and the way I make space for self-care and my own emotional process."Claudia Parada, 32, San Francisco, CA.
“ I am a Cyber Intelligence Officer and Head Manager for a startup. I have been working from home since late 2018. Due to low funds and lack of long term clients, we decided I would be laid off in the meantime to prevent the company from going bankrupt and having to close. This would allow me to apply for CERB in Canada, and if the company qualified for a grant or a loan, my boss could get a marketing manager to promote us in the meantime.” Sabrina Liverpool, 25, Toronto, ON.
“I am in the process of getting a long term visa to stay in Bali, Indonesia. In order to start the process I had to leave the island with my boyfriend. We ended up in Laos and have now been stuck in one city in the north of Laos for 3 weeks. We are not allowed to leave the city, roadblocks are in place within the city and everyone is a little unsure of foreigners.” said, Cati Bush, 25, Denpasar, ID.
What are some of the challenges you have encounter?
“I share custody with my two older children. They are struggling with the sudden changes and lack of school and social life. It’s been hard managing my own anxiety over this all but definitely harder to see my kids process this all.”said, Vazquez.
“Loneliness, anxiety, frustration with the government, and overall sense of dread that comes and goes in waves.” said, Savanna Murray, 23, Kailua, HI.
“Social interaction. I’m a people person! Even if it’s a quick and simple “Good Morning!” To the barista at Starbucks.”said, Aryn Miles, 26, Sanford NC.
How do you manage to sustain your family and yourself?
“I built a garden. Started from seedlings and then used my design skills to make it. Now I spend a lot of time sustaining it. I also do my best to make sure we have everything we need without leaving the home.”said, Ashley Landavazo, 30, Austin, TX.
“I have been a writer for 5 years, I’m taking up as many writing assignments as possible. Same goes with my parents, they too own a business which needs to be shut until the lockdown isn't revoked.” said, Nikita Raikwar, 25, Mumbai, IN.
“We have been eating a lot more “one pot meals”, soups, stews and rice which stretch. We are also starting a garden and getting chickens to have eggs. We plan on collecting rainwater and buying more edible plants and berries when we get out stimulus check.” said, Lucia Vazquez, 30, Ocala, FL.
What have you learned from this experience?
“We learned that having a pantry stocked for emergencies is mandatory. We used to stop by the grocery twice sometimes even three times a week and buy groceries. Rarely ever had the pantry stocked mostly because we lived paycheck to paycheck before this. We also learned that we needed to be more self sufficient sooner. ” said, Vazquez.
“I'm sure society would change in more ways than one. Working and schooling from home would more likely be encouraged, essential workers would hopefully be more appreciated, people will start to take advantage of the opportunities around them and stop procrastinating on what they want to do, and taking a walk in your local park would no longer be taken for granted. Cleaner air will hopefully extend or save lives, and people will start seeing their loved ones more.” said, Liverpool.
“I am learning another level of letting go of control and how to have grace and self compassion, as well as adapting because I never know what to expect from my energy or the outside world on a day to day, so understanding that once I feel I have it a little figured out, it will probably change again. This flexibility I have with myself helps when I get impatient with others so ground my perspective in multiple points of view. And asking for help from loved ones, my therapists, and other healers always.” said, Parada.
What are some of the things you would've done differently before the Pandemic started?
“Worked harder to get my business going sooner; spent more time connecting with my family” said, Murray.
“I would have taken it a little more seriously and prepared better. Ultimately I never predicted that this would halt a cross country move for months. I was downsizing my house and pantry before all of this started.”, said, Aryn Miles, 26, Sanford NC.
“But then I thought to myself, "life is short." I knew I would hate myself if one day, I lost a limb, or my sight, or came down with a life threatening disease, and could no longer do the things I wanted to do. I'm so blessed, I'm so lucky to have lived this long. I've been working for 4+ years, have my debts paid off, got a decent amount of savings, it's time I start treating myself.”said, Liverpool.
What advice would you give to young women going through tough times?
“Put your health before anything. Start upping your immunity to be protected and remember that mental health is part of overall health. Practice gratitude for what you do have find ways to be more self sufficient. ❤️”, said Vazquez.
“It is absolutely normal to not feel motivated to do anything for a while. Believe in baby steps and celebrate them. Our bodies and minds are technically processing shock from the dramatic changes we have made. It’s also normal to get through emotional waves. Feeling good one day and then switching to feeling poorly the next is also normal at the moment. You’re brain is just leveling out like a boat coming out from choppy waters.” said, Landavazo.
“Life is what you make of it. Despite your circumstance, there's always something you can do to make it better. Since I was about 20, I embraced the idea that if you're not happy, look for something better. If you're not happy in your relationship, there's someone better out there for you. If you're not happy with your job, go find a new one. If you're not happy with your life, start taking steps to change it. Even if it seems hard, and even if you're scared, you have to try! No one knows how this scenario would end, but as they say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Make the most of this time if you can. Study, take up a new hobby, make new connections, or just get to know yourself. Make a list of what you are grateful for, and what you want to do when this is over. Stay positive, and stay strong. You will get through this!” said, Liverpool.
Thank you to all the ladies who participated in this interview. I appreciate your openness and words of wisdom.
