My pandemic experience was rough but super rewarding at the same time. The pandemic hit when I was about to finish my masters degree. I had a part time job during the day and I would study in the evenings. I was living alone. When the pandemic hit, I lost my job as a local NGO researcher as the program I was working for lost its funding. At the same time, my school shut down and we later resumed online classes despite my difficulty in learning virtually. My brother and I decided to live together to cut costs as we both lost our jobs. We were far from any close relative who could help us and we knew we didn’t want to move around and spread the virus around.
What came out of this who experience was a text book of lessons, mistakes, and more lessons.
Technology played a crucial role in keeping people connected. While physical distancing was necessary, virtual platforms allowed individuals and communities to stay in touch. Video calls, online events, and social media became the primary means of communication for my brother and I. We could even video call each other in the same house if one of us feared exposure to COVID-19. Some friendships grew stronger as individuals reached out and provided support to my brother and I during difficult times. We got a text from our landlord saying there was a Jewish community in our neighborhood who were looking for families without an income or food. They were to prepare several meals to last a week and deliver to our door. All we needed to do is sign up online. This was amazing. We have delicious food, some we havd never tried, and we ate for weeks. They even delivered when we had not finished the previous meals. The sense of unity mostly from complete strangers shocked me most because I was previously unaware of peoples kindness.
Self-discovery and personal growth was a huge lesson for me. I never knew I could be a home body. I never likes spending anytime alone by myself let alone in my house. The pandemic forced people me to adapt to new circumstances, leading to self-reflection and personal growth. With more time spent alone or in isolation, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into my own thoughts and emotions. I discovered new hobbies, developed resilience, and gained a greater understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses.
I missed my home land Kenya even more in the pandemic. I was homesick almost every day. Certain images, events, and sounds from the pandemic will likely stay with people for years to come. The sight of empty streets, healthcare workers on the front lines, made me think about how things were back home. My friends would tell me how things were almost normal at home. There was curfew but parties would go on restaurants and bars were open, My friends were having more fun it seemed and comparing that life with the emptiness of the streets of Oregon will stay with me. Overall, the pandemic challenged individuals and communities in unprecedented ways. While it undoubtedly caused hardship and disruption, it also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of humanity. It showed me people can surprise you and show support in the most amazing ways. I pray that unity and commitment to protect each other never goes away.
