Alecia’s experience of the pandemic started on a trip to Tokyo in early 2020, where she noticed increased mask-wearing and the rumbles of the pandemic beginning to echo across the globe.  She’s a software engineer, and tech has played a huge role in her ability to thrive during this time - including landing her dream job!  Interviewed 5 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Gigi is 12 years old, the youngest participant in the series thus far.  In their interview, they describe what it was like to not be able to go to dance class, school, and see their friends.  They also speak quite openly about their mental health struggles, and how they’ve managed and coped with it during this challenging time.  Interviewed 5 May 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

(CW: Suicide mention, anxiety & depression)

Matthew is a political science student in Canada, who serves on Youth Parliament.  He shares the challenges the Youth Parliament faced in figuring out how to host their annual meeting, usually held (in-person) in December, forcing the organization to adapt in ways they’ve always wished to do.  Interviewed 28 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Dino is an international student from China, studying in Canada.  He describes what it was like to be away from his home and family during this time and what it has meant for him to have found the best roommate he could have imagined.  Interviewed 27 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Finnian lives in British Columbia with their wife, having recently moved there from Michigan.  One noticeable change was that due to travel restrictions, Finnian found themself unable to attend to their loved ones like they usually are able to do.  This led to discovering new ways to care for others during this difficult time when we must remain separated.  Interviewed 21 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Laurel Phillips is a newlywed living in Alberta, Canada.  In her interview, she describes what it was like to find her wedding plans completely disrupted by the pandemic and how that shifted their perspectives on their whole wedding experience.  Interviewed 20 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Waldeman is a student in Finland, and in his interview describes what its like navigating matriculation during a global pandemic.  Interviewed 8 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Alberto works in the event industry and lives in Rome, Italy.  In spite of their best efforts at staying safe, Alberto reflects on how the virus was able to infect their family, hospitalizing his father for quite some time.  He expresses his frustration with those who spread misinformation about the vaccine, and hopes that people will listen to the science.  Interviewed 6 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co

Every ten episodes I publish a bonus episode highlighting the final messages participants leave for future generations, as the purpose of this book is to both document this era for posterity and to share the lessons we've learned so they aren't lost.  These bonus episodes are heartfelt and tender, as participants think to the future and send their hopes to those we'll never meet.

Participants included in this episode are:

Danielle

Eve Wong

Anastasiia Samusava & Alexander Samusav

Eileen Gribbin

Chris

Milan Patel

Mallorie Dunn

Rachel Kunnath

Chiao Chen

Florence Dawagne

Learn more about the project and sign up for an interview at https://storiesofcovid.co

Florence lives in Brussels, Belgium, and works as an IT developer.  In their interview, they describe the perspective shift that the pandemic brought on and how they see that happening all around them.  Interviewed 1 April 2021. Learn more about leaving a story for future generations at https://storiesofcovid.co