Susy Vezzoli – Global Perspectives during COVID-19 - Welsh Centre for International Affairs

At the WCIA, we understand that the outbreak of COVID-19 has been difficult for so many people across the world. At the beginning of the pandemic, we reached out to people worldwide to share global perspectives on COVID-19, recognising the global nature of the issue, and some of the similarities and differences of experiences in different countries. We wanted to identify and share both the positive and negative stories emerging from the situation. Over a year on from the start of the pandemic, we’re reaching out again…

Originally from Madrid, Santi works in our WCIA Communications team. He has a background in Communications, Latin American Politics, and Spanish teaching. He reached out to Susy Vezzoli, an Italian national based in Milano (Lombardy region) and currently working within the tourism sector.

Here’s her story:

“The first thing that comes to mind is that throughout the pandemic, I have always tried to keep my cool. In the beginning, my life changed for better because we were all facing a different reality. Suddenly, working, day to day routines, etc. shifted to other type of priorities. Slowly but surely I became aware of how much I enjoyed being with my family. I too started cooking and implemented organizational skills. These all brought about a feeling of accomplishment that evolved into thinking beyond my bubble of comfort.

“I became aware of how much I enjoy being with my family”

“What is life like for other people around? The initial thoughts about my family being safe and sound now seemed a bit selfish. Time passed and the need for human contact hit me harder than ever before. Reality was now defined by coronavirus waves, lockdowns and restrictions of all sorts. And these, at the same time, created a space for reflection. For the first time, I paused and fully understood the path I wanted to take.

“How do I want to spend my free time? How can I help people alongside it? In a way, this reflection time made me realize that life is more enjoyable when purposeful. Time had now a complete different meaning. Never had I placed so much relevance on the joy of learning. That, in a way, is the biggest take from the pandemic. By making a purposeful use of time, I come from a solid position to improve other people’s lives as well.

“The joy of learning […] is the biggest take from the pandemic”

“At a professional level, protection measures to safeguard customer’s health at the hotel made me think constantly about a justifiable reason to do normal stuff back at the time. And this has totally increased my respect for those who spend their time helping others, such as the public health sector or the education sector. In a way, I believe this period is to be united in Italy and the world against the same enemy. Whatever happens, strength will come from unity rather than division. Now I am more attuned to the beauty of Italian nature and its dolce vita. That is a lesson we all should learn to make a positive change in the face of climate change.”