A student’s role in COVID-19 relief

When junior Anusha Adira came to learn about the dire situation of COVID-19 — how in just a couple months it had sent half the world into lockdown — she was shocked. Perhaps even more shocking to her was the fact that despite the dangers of large gatherings, many of her peers continued to meet and spend time with one another. 

Having missed junior prom and other fundamental high school traditions as a result of the shelter-in-place order that was implemented on March 16, Adira understands some of her classmates’ sentiments. However, she feels that as a student, she is obligated to uphold social distancing protocols and help others to do the same. 

“I feel like we have a moral responsibility to help in any way that we can,” Adira said. “We’re fortunate enough to have access to technology and a healthcare system that can help us, while people in other places like Italy don’t necessarily have that.”

This is why when her family friend Shourish Mukherjee approached Adira about his idea to launch a local Red-Cross sponsored GoFundMe campaign called COVID-19 Relief Fund for the Red Cross, she felt motivated to help out. On her Facebook account, she posted information about the campaign, which called for donations that would be sent to local hospitals and used to buy ventilators, face masks, HAZMAT suits and other sanitation supplies. 

In addition to using social media to promote COVID-19 awareness efforts, Adira practices social distancing daily. She goes into her backyard for fresh air and tries to only buy items and groceries that are absolutely necessary. For her, it is important to be objective and calm in times of panic. 

“This is more than about ourselves,” Adira said. “When we stay home and try to educate others, we’re building our community’s strength. We’re making sure that as many people as possible are staying safe and healthy.”