The year 2020 has been a difficult year for most people around the globe. The coronavirus pandemic smacked the entire world. Many of us were facing challenges that could be aggravating, astounding, and caused intense emotions in adults and children. There were more risks about physical health, many people were suffering financial adversity, and found the lockdown such a horrendous part to deal with.
With so many negative things that are happening around the world, there is no doubt that all of these have tremendously impacted our mental health and buoyancy. To ensure everyone’s safety, social support is definitely important. We should be aware that social support is important during the time of crisis. Simple reach out to others during the isolation phase makes a lot of sense.
This pandemic is indeed a global issue and the impact will be in for the long haul especially for the children. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems around the world as well, leading to almost total closure of all schools in all countries around the globe. School closures have impacted so much to the students in all countries. According to the experts, the impact was more severe for disadvantaged children and their families, causing interrupted learning, compromised nutrition, childcare problems, and consequent economic cost to families who could not work. On the other hand, there were still people who remained positive and initiative despite the horrendous event. There were still individuals who looked for the beauty of the pandemic and took advantage of the situation in good ways to showcase their creativity, talents and skills. For others, the pandemic was the perfect time in experimenting things and discovering potentials.
As the government ordered lockdown, everyone’s mobility was terribly limited. Because everyone was encouraged to stay at home to contain the Corona Virus. Staying at home 24/7 was absolutely atrocious as everyone’s usual routines or activities were suddenly trimmed down nor completely pulled over. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the pandemic, there’s no doubt that no one would disagree that there are more disadvantages. As they say, life must go on! Life did not end there! Life is indeed what we make it! Regardless of the situation we are in, we must choose to be always positive. Having an optimistic mindset helps us to be happier and healthier. When we are healthy and happy, it is easier for us to achieve our goals because it makes us more productive.
As the entire world suffered from COVID – 19, millions of children in all walks of life were affected including my daughter Aliana. At a very young age she has already exhibited her love for arts. She has already created impressive art masterpieces.
Few days during the lockdown, she seemed still fine until she questioned everyone around her when it would be over. One thing is certain, she got extremely bored. Everyone sincerely enlightened the mind of the young and innocent soul. Instead of feeling off about the situation, she took advantage of the technological resources available at home. She watched the Do – It – Yourself (DIY) videos most of the time. After a few days of spending time in front of the screen, she came across into a video which featured “candle making”. It somehow caught her interest.
She watched and searched for more materials about making candles. She realized that making candles is also a form of art – that everyone can freely devise various designs depending on one’s cups. She was inspired by the adorable creations that she discovered. Little did she know, she was glued into it and she was ready to dive into such an interesting venture. She then approached me. Unfortunately, I didn’t immediately buy the idea. First, it was on the heights of the pandemic – wasting resources was truly a bad idea. Second, I was also thinking about the allergies of the ingredients in making candles. Lastly, no one was going to actually stay with her while making candles as both my husband and I are working. Aliana was extremely determined to persuade me.
We were finally convinced. I helped her in researching more details about the new venture that she was going to explore. I learned that there are actually safe ingredients for allergic individuals. Then her dad purchased the necessary materials and ingredients. We bought the wax melter because I didn't want her to use the gas stove for safety reasons. When our purchases arrived, she didn’t waste any second. We started the trial-and-error process and we finally came up with a perfect formula. She has created beautiful pieces of work and she continued making candles.
Social Media plays a crucial role today. Apart from connecting people around the world, Social Media provides opportunities as well to different individuals and sectors in showcasing what they have got. It engages the entrepreneurs to reach and nurture their large audience. Aliana suggested that we put her products through etsy and it really didn’t disappoint because we got orders after the first week and now they keep coming back. Our best sellers are the unscented candles. She realized that she can actually make money in making candles. I helped her with designs and both laid out several extraordinary designs to attract our target audience. She was so happy when she got her first International order all the way from Ireland and now we have orders from Canada as well.
She said she wants her business to grow someday, we’re taking it one step at a time. School is our number one priority! She wanted to be a Psychologist and Businesswoman someday!