University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 alumni affected by the pandemic are part of a new campaign launched by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH). highlights the economic and educational toll that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on Hawaiʻi’s young adults, with the personal stories of Nicole Rombaoa, Leimana Trainor and Jose Ver featured in public service announcements that will run through March 7, 2021.
The campaign was developed to resonate with young people who were forced to sacrifice and miss opportunities due to COVID-19. According to an online survey commissioned by DOH, young adults are more likely to be influenced by the economic impact that the pandemic has had on their lives. In addition, those who view the effects of the pandemic in terms of its financial impact are statistically less likely to be adhering to the guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing, and are also less likely to get vaccinated.
“We recognize that the ongoing pandemic has been hard on Hawaiʻi residents, especially the younger generation who feel there is so much ahead of them and want so much out of life. They feel the pandemic is holding them back,” said DOH Director Libby Char. “These new public service announcements were created with them in mind.”
Featured alumni
Ver, 34, of Pearl City, earned his bachelor’s degree in speech from 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补. He was laid off from his job as a visitor industry performer due to COVID-19. No longer able to keep up with his bills, Ver decided to move back in with his parents. While not the ideal situation, he said, “It’s great to have a support system to lean on during these hard times. I’m one of the lucky ones.”
Ver remains hopeful and has been teaching acting and improv classes when opportunities arise. He is also writing for a web series he and his friends have been working on called Waikiki PD.
Rombaoa, 31, of Mililani, earned a marketing degree from 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补. A fitness coach and personal trainer, she lost her job at her gym when COVID-19 brought widespread lockdown throughout the state.
“I spent most of my off and professional time at the gym training and had to quickly pivot both my business and personal activities,” said Rombaoa. “I did what I could at home by utilizing my social media platform to help others stay active and positive through the lockdowns.” Rombaoa plans to continue using her platform to positively influence others to find inner strength through fitness.
Trainor, 23, of Waiʻanae, graduated with her degree in travel industry management from 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补. Just starting her career in the hospitality industry, Trainor was working at two restaurants when COVID-19 shut down both businesses. “It [the shutdown] came right as I was supposed to have my first two weeks of solo relief managing shifts. I never could have imagined that we would be closed for this long,” she said.
Despite the sudden loss of their jobs, feelings of frustration, worry and stress, the 糖心Vlog官方 graduates are grateful that precautions were put in place to keep their loved ones and the community healthy and safe in a time of uncertainty.
“I understand the need for social connection, the feeling of being stir crazy during quarantine, but that is not an excuse to not take proper precautions,” said Ver. “Wear your mask. Wash your hands. Keep socially distanced. These three things can save lives and they’re so simple to do.””
Rombaoa added, “We’re doing our best to take care of each other so we can get back to the life we want.”
. The public service announcements will air through March 7 on broadcast television, cable, radio, digital, social, streaming platforms and in print.
糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补 is committed to , one of four goals identified in its , updated in December 2020.