Valentina Callari Lewis
Project Management Lead, Less Frequently Requested Languages
From my personal perspective, I cannot say that the pandemic has been the worst thing that ever happened to me. It was difficult most times, yes, but it brought so many good things. I am grateful for the things that I have experienced in the past two years.
I was into pilates at the time the coronavirus hit the world. One day, my aunt suggested that I do my workouts with a personal trainer on Youtube. The first day I worked out with her, my life changed.
During workouts, I found a way to deal with my anxiety. I found it easier to concentrate on school. I felt relaxed and I did not feel any pain at all. It helped me deal with my sadness.
Then, I became interested in being conscious of what I ate. You have to know the fuel you put in your body. I did not count calories (never did), however, I was conscious of when and what I ate. I started drinking more water. I have always been a veggies and fruits gal, but I started eating fruits with my breakfast and my afternoon snacks.
Last summer, I started kayaking. I have always loved being around nature, but after the pandemic. I appreciate it even more. I stopped viewing walking my dog three times a day as a burden, because I got to be outdoors. I think I grew more conscious during these past two years of what is good for me, and what makes me happy.
The second year of the pandemic brought Respond to me. It has been a wild ride and I have enjoyed every second of it. When I volunteered to be a translator in the Spanish team, I never thought it would lead to where I am now. I still remember that Saturday morning when I met Romina, the wonderful Spanish team lead, in the Welcome Zoom. Then she interviewed me to be an interpreter, but I was not ready to interpret at the time, and then she offered me to be interviewed for the position of PM in the Less Frequently Requested languages team, which was led by the amazing Meg. I still remember my interview. I was babysitting my little cousin, who was at the back of the camera, and the rest is history.
A couple of days ago, I was asked to describe my experience with Respond. Let me tell you what I said: it has been an adventure, and a rewarding and a learning experience. I am so thankful for getting to work with the most amazing people, doing what I love, while helping others. Is there anything better than this? I don’t think so.
While working in Respond, I also get to keep having the same lifestyle I implemented during the first year of the pandemic: I get to workout, be around nature and spend quality time with my loved ones. If I may, I would like to share some wellness tips. Little things that I do during my day to feel better:
Drink lots of water.
Have a plant on your desk.
Take a moment to walk or stretch (or better, do both)
Try to look at something blue (like the sky) or something green (like grass) everyday. It helps your eyes to relax after spending a lot of time in front of the screen.
When you have to focus on a task, put on some instrumental music so as to avoid external distractions.
