COVID-19 has changed the lives of many, no matter the age, ethnic background, or social status. However, the pandemic has also shaped the lives of healthcare workers all over the world as many of the people in the medical field are currently stressed and burnt out from the influx of people that are affected by the pandemic on a daily basis. Last week, UNICEF stepped up and made motivational cards with meaningful messages to lift their spirits up because behind the surface, our healthcare workers work day and night to help the victims of the pandemic. Today, we interview Aahana Dugar, UNICEF’s president to see what the motivation behind this noble action was.

Q: What was the motive behind the cards?

A: Our UNICEF chapter made cards for healthcare workers and patients at Banner Health Ocotillo Medical Center with messages to keep their spirits up during these difficult times as there has been a lot of burn out, especially with physicians and nurses because of what’s been going on with COVID. We just wanted to do something to show that their hard work is acknowledged and recognized as well as appreciated for what they do. We also gave out cards to patients who are recovering right now or underwent surgery. The holidays are supposed to be a special occasion and unfortunately, in hospitals, the holiday spirit is lacking in their halls, so it was another opportunity that we took to motivate them during their stay at the hospital. I delivered them yesterday to security guards, physicians, cafeteria workers, nurses, and even a mother who gave birth 24 hours before-which was really sweet to experience-and another person who was just battled COVID three weeks before. We made a total of 450 cards.
Q: When did you hear about this problem, and what was the process behind giving out the cards?

A: A junior in our club came up to me in one of four first meetings and told me about the burn out in the medical field because of COVID-19, so each of us made four cards and delivered them to the workers and patients. We decided to make them during the holiday season as it is one of the most wonderful times of the year, and I talked to a lady working at the center to organize everything. She helped me coordinate, which allowed me to share it with the rest of the chapter.

Q: Is this event something that came up because of COVID or was it an annual event?

A: This has never been done before at our school because it a response to the effects of COVID-19 in the hospitals and medical centers, but I’m hoping that this continues to spread to not only Banner, but other hospitals and other chapters. As a senior, I also hope that the next president who takes my place steps up to continue to make this a strong tradition that happens every year during this time.

Q: Finally, what do you think is the color of a mirror?

A: Honestly, I believe a mirror reflects you both physically and emotionally, so the color of a mirror is all the colors that it reflects towards the object or person in front of it, both literally and figuratively.

Thank you Aahana for letting us interview you, and please give a big round of applause to UNICEF for all their hard work and taking this opportunity to help the people that help us the most. Sometimes, the people who take the responsibility to nurture and support us also need a bit of nurturing and supporting themselves as well.