Trying something new is difficult, let along during a global pandemic and amid covid-19 lockdowns and ever changing restrictions. Hear about this participant’s inspiring story of resilience in starting her Award during covid-19.
Tell us about your Award journey – why did you decide to start your Award?
I started my award in April 2020, during the quarantine. I decided to start because I think the Award is a great way to motivate and encourage me to keep up doing activities I’m passionate about, especially during these unprecedented times. I really look forward to experiencing and learning something new through my Award journey. Moreover, I have been doing these activities long before applying for the Award and I think in a way, it acknowledges my efforts and achievements.
What do you like about the Award?
What I like about the Award is that it teaches me to set a goal and moves towards it progressively. It reminds me that in order to achieve something, I need to put in persistent efforts. The Award also covers three distinct kinds of activities and it’s very well rounded.
“The Award teaches me to set a goal moves towards it progressively.”
What do you find challenging about the Award?
What I find challenging is time management. It’s especially hard to find time to fit all my activities with all the work from school. It really prompts me to effectively regulate my time and value every opportunity I have.
What sort of challenges are you facing in your day-to-day life, as a result of COVID-19? How has this impacted you?
In my day-to-day life, I feel like quarantine is emotionally challenging. For example, sometimes I would feel quite disconnected from my friends and neighbors. This really makes me value the time we have together. Some other challenges include the feelings of being under productive.
Is the Award helping you to deal with any of these challenges? If so, how?
The Award does help me a lot to face these challenges. It prompts me to regulate my physical activities and keep a healthy lifestyle. The Award does help me see the progress I have made during the quarantine.
Have you had to adapt your Award activities as a result of COVID-19? Has anything remained the same?
Yes, as a result of COVID-19, I have to adapt to online sessions for my physical recreation and skills. My volunteer service has stayed the same because it’s always been online meetings. Since I started my award during quarantine, I don’t have to change any of my activities.
Have you found any interesting solutions to help you continue with your Award during COVID-19?
Yes, it turns out that virtual classes can have some benefits. They save a lot of time and protects the environment because I no longer have to attend by car.
Are you using your Award (and particularly your Voluntary Service section) to help your community deal with the challenges of COVID-19? If so, how?
Yes, through my volunteer work, I have the opportunity to communicate with others and learn about their situations. I definitely feel a stronger connection with my community. I can share what I learned to others and spread hope and positivity through social media and other virtual means. My volunteer work also inspires me to continue with my efforts with the environment through small things, such as collecting garbage in the neighborhood. I’m also able to connect with my friends and coaches through either physical activities or skills. Though we can’t see each other in person, it’s still very nice to see their faces and know we are all continuing to do things we are passionate about.
Do you think being involved with the Award helps you and your community at this time?
Being involved with the Award definitely helps my mental health. Through all the activities I did, I feel more positive and I’m able to spread hope within my community. All the activities in the Award keep us connected in the community, even if we are unable to see each other in person.
Overall, I’m very glad to join the Award community. Though I have only started for a short amount of time, I think it helps me quite a lot and I can’t wait to discover more on my journey! Also, a huge thank you to my Award leader for all the information and support you gave us during these times!”
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