Jacy Brown
Biomedical Scientist / Team Jets (Captain)
2020 – the year of sunflowers...
I‘ve had direct association with Covid-19 working as a Biomedical Scientist in the General Hospital specialising in Microbiology. To say I’m a front-line worker though would not be entirely true, although laboratory work has always been there to support healthcare, quietly behind the scenes. However, this does not mean we care any less about our patients. This was witnessed first-hand when the intensity picked up in my department to accommodate for the rigorous testing regime introduced in Jersey. My colleagues worked around the clock to meet the demands of the general public and helped keep Jersey safe during the height of the pandemic.
At the onset of COVID-19 in the Island, it was about picking up extra shifts, preparing for this unknown threat, trying to learn as much as possible about it’s nature, its infectivity and virulence. I tried to keep a level head and have a scientific approach, but I would revert to experiencing moments of sheer panic reading the statistics and the horror stories happening in Wuhan followed by Italy and Spain. Behind every scientific professional there is an element of fear, the ‘What Ifs.’ racing around our minds. It’s these thoughts, whether rational or irrational, these emotions, that make us human.
Thankfully in Jersey, the virus has been controlled and I’ve not experienced loss caused by Covid-19, like many across the world. Loss and hurt has come in other ways this year from the indirect effects of the virus. I’ve seen loved ones lose their jobs, depression and isolation from family, including my own. The hardest moment was the sudden loss of a dear friend in the most tragic of circumstances. We must continue to take necessary precautions to live with Covid-19, but we can’t continue to isolate people from social interaction. Finding the balance between being cautious and integrating back into normal life is now integral, otherwise desperation and loneliness will leave a more desolating impact on our society.
Although 2020 has been turbulent, facing some extreme lows, the year has brought me one incredible high. I became engaged to my best friend which was celebrated entirely by my family, friends and my netball team who turned up to my house armed with prosecco and pizza! I realised how fortunate I am to be surrounded by people that love me, and who want to celebrate life’s highs with me. I have hope that this will come to an end and I can plan a wedding to be enjoyed by all.
If 2020 has taught me anything, it is to hold on to hope. It has taught me to keep going through the weeds. Keep going and eventually you’ll find the sunflowers.
