In a time of tremendous stress, suffering, and loss, the world’s medical workers, in addition to all essential workers, have been tasked with providing relief to all of those suffering from COVID-19. Meanwhile, the children of these heroes have been fully supportive and inspired by their efforts.

Many members of the SPA community are the children of medical workers who have crucial roles in the battle against COVID-19.

“I am very happy that my mom can continue to work, and help all of the people who need it,” said junior Erin Magnuson, “I think my mom would go crazy if she couldn’t continue her work.”

Magnuson’s mom works in a hospital where she is currently continuing with her normal position in orthopedics but is prepared to help with COVID-19 related work if the hospital she is working at needs it. Essential worker’s children recognize and support the sacrifices their parents are making.

Not only do the children of essential medical workers support the sacrifices their parents are making, but they are also appreciative of their contributions. Junior Rashmi Raveendran said, “I’m very thankful that my parents are able to continue work.” Magnuson also added on in agreement. She said, “I am really grateful that my mom is still able to provide people with the help they need.”

Raveendran and Magnuson have not lost any interest in the paths that they were thinking of pursuing before COVID-19. Raveendran has been interested in medicine for a few years now. She said, “The pandemic has definitely opened my eyes to the sometimes dark times in medicine. However, my parents have inspired me to continue to pursue a career in medicine because even in this pandemic, my parents are excited to work because they genuinely enjoy what they do and caring for others.”
Magnuson, who also has an interest in pursuing a career in the field of medicine shares her perspective. She said, “I am definitely interested in the process that surrounds creating vaccines, and COVID-19 has not made me want to pursue a career in medicine any less.”

Both Magnuson and Raveendran agree that now is not the time to stop social distancing practices. “It’s unfortunate that so many events people were looking forward to got canceled,” said Magnuson, “But it is important that we continue social distancing.”

Raveendran said, “The most important thing is to stay home. Although regulations are starting to relax at the start of summer, we are still in the consistent acceleration interval of the pandemic, and breaking social distancing will maintain this acceleration. People need to follow social distancing rules if they want to see change and if they want to do what’s right for the front-line workers, and the entire population.”

Although the school year is winding to a close and summer is rapidly approaching, it is imperative that we continue to be socially distant from one another as to decrease the spread of COVID-19; thus protecting all essential workers and their kids.