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Blessing in disguise
In 2020, sociology and Māori studies student Daizha Fidow-Savage, moved in with her grandfather who was in the early stages of dementia. When Covid-19 put the country into lockdown, Daizha became his full-time caregiver.
In 2020 I was a broke student studying full-time whilst looking after my grandpa who has early signs of dementia.
The level 4 lockdown meant I could stay home with my grandpa and tend to him more.
The downside was that I wasn’t able to see my parents or siblings for over a month.
My grandpa’s illness presented its challenges, but the weekly video calls with my siblings and cousins were what made it easier.
If Covid-19 taught me anything, it reminded me of the importance of family.
Once New Zealand went into level 3, I was able to finally see my family and celebrate special occasions on a smaller scale such as my cousin's 21st birthday and my grandpa’s 80th.
It is very easy to get caught up with different things in life, but Covid-19 gave me the chance to sit back and remember what is most important.
It made me make small changes to my lifestyle, take more care of my mental health and learn to find the silver-lining in everything.
Despite having challenges during my Covid-19 experience, it was really a blessing in disguise.
Daizha hopes 2022 will be her final year of study. Her grandpa is doing well. After she graduates, Daihza intends to take a break from studying and working for a while but hopes to work eventually in education.