More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, tremendous changes have taken place. How do people at UIC cope with the hurdles brought by the pandemic? What are their pains and gains during the combat against it? What would they tell themselves if there was a time machine that could bring them back to 2019? More importantly, what do they think of the future?

In this article, questions will be answered by individual stories where you can find love, courage and inspiration.

Ma Yuhan: Love will keep us alive

Ma Yuhan is a third-year student from Cinema and Television (CTV) Programme at UIC. Yuhan was spending the second semester of the first year in college when the pandemic hit the world.

During that time, Yuhan’s learning activities were forced to be moved online. Therefore, Yuhan got a chance to spend more time with family, an opportunity for them to get closer and understand each other better.

Ma Yuhan’s father volunteers in an epidemic prevention mission

Yuhan’s family contributed to the epidemic prevention as well. As a member of CPC, Yuhan’s father volunteered to combat the novel coronavirus in Changchun. Although concerned about his safety, Yuhan was impressed by his selflessness and tenacity.

Yuhan hoped the pandemic could end sooner so that the front workers could go home and reunite with their families. Here was the message for the “2019-version” of Yuhan: “The road ahead is long and winding, but please keep going. All your dreams will come true as an award for your perseverance. Love will always conquer frustration.”

From MPRO

Reporter: Wang Qianhan

Photos provided by the interviewees

Editors: Deen He, Cecilia Yu