Amy Wallis is one of the many people on Guam who have begun exploring new hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wallis has been employed at T Galleria by DFS in Tumon for 26 years. She was unfortunately furloughed by her employer in March.

With all the time she spends at home, Wallis has decided to take up new hobbies. She has begun growing and harvesting vegetables for healthy home-cooked meals.

“There’s not much to do, especially since I live alone, so I started gardening and going for a run every day. I noticed that most of my neighbors have been doing the same thing.”

Wallis is also grateful for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit. Aside from her health, much of her concerns are about financially supporting herself while being unemployed.

“I’m able to save some money and make meals out of my vegetables, but PUA still helps a lot. It’s hard to find another way of income for buying food and necessities,” said Wallis.

Wallis continues to grow her garden and, like many furloughed employees, anxiously waits to go back to work.