Ava Katz, Kinesiology student.
Ava rouses us to think beyond ourselves. Her service to the community models initiative and leadership as she reaches out to help those who are more vulnerable and who need assistance at this challenging time.
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I am originally from Winnipeg but moved to Vancouver a few years back. My interests are varied but include playing sports (Ultimate Frisbee) which I’ve played for upwards of 4 years, having been captain for 2. I thought it prudent to see what the first year at UBC would look like before resuming that hectic sports schedule.
My goal for the future is to apply to medical school once I graduate and specialize in Thoracic or Cardiac surgery. My passion for helping others, along with my interest in the human body and how it functions, has led to my interest in Kinesiology and medicine. Although it seems like a lofty goal, I cherish memories of my grandfather who was also a Doctor and feel he’d be immensely proud of me which pushes me to continue striving for the future.
I currently live with my 91-year-old grandmother, my dad, sister and mom, who has recently developed a heart issue known as Acute Pericarditis. As we have all heard, those with underlying health issues are particularly susceptible to the virus, as are the elderly. As the COVID-19 spread, I realized that my mom could not go into the stores or take the chance of exposure at this time. Everyday seems to bring new information about people not having the ability to buy groceries and other essentials for themselves. I know that seniors homes have some support, but what about the seniors who live on their own, or others who are health compromised? I felt that as long as I took precautions, being the errand-runner seemed a sensible thing for me to do because I am not the demographic most at risk.
I made a post on Facebook letting people know that I would do grocery shopping, pick up other items they may need like prescriptions, and deliver it to them in a contact-free manner, free of charge. I felt that priority should go to the elderly and those who could not go out themselves. I also asked that people share the post in hopes they would spread the word to those who may not necessarily be on Facebook or have access to a computer.
I am fortunate to have a car that allows me to go from store to store when stock it low. I found that there were those who simply needed medical supplies and prescription pick-ups and I was happy to be of help. I also had friends coming back from various universities who quarantined with their families, but their grandparents were not in seniors homes and didn’t have the support around them. Friends then forwarded their grandparents contact information to me and I was able to reach out.
I feel it is vital that we stick together and support each other during this time. The virus seems to have allowed for a silver lining in that we are all in the same boat, so-to-speak, and we need to be able to rely on each other, even strangers, to help us get through this as best as possible. I feel blessed that I am in a position to help, not just those in my immediate family, but other’s loved ones.
Coverage by Daily Hive News – Class act: UBC first year student shops for seniors during the pandemic – Click Here