GRC Alum Helps Frontline Medical Workers by Developing Face Shields
By Amanda Teo, GRC Class of 2018, May 11, 2020
GRC Alumna, Amanda Teo, is currently a Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Buffalo. She, along with first year Med student, Gary Iacobucci, have developed a prototype plastic face shield to donate to local hospital medical staff.
"I never thought..." Recently, these three words have been used frequently. All of us have been affected to a certain degree by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some more significantly than others. Some have lost their loved ones, their jobs, and homes. I am deeply saddened to watch this happening across the world - feeling powerless against a virus unable to even be seen with our eyes. But in the midst of this tragedy, I also see communities coming together, people banding together to help and be there for each other in various ways. Everywhere, people donate what they can to keep their family, friends, and community safe.
Like many fellow students mandated to stay home, I felt helpless for not being able to contribute my part. However, I was inspired by my mother back home in Malaysia who organized a face shield assembling project to support local medical frontliners. Her actions inspired me and gave me the courage to initiate something similar in Buffalo, where I currently reside. Along with my friend, Gary Iacobucci, we started contacting local hospitals, developing our prototypes, gathering funds, resources, and volunteers. It was not easy in the beginning, but we received warm support from various communities including Green River College. We could not have done this without the support that we have received. It is a testament to the generosity of people and our resilience during times of crisis. We hope that this project will continue to help support our local front liners as they continue to risk their lives to combat this pandemic. I never thought that I could be a part of something bigger than myself.
On top of that, even after being away from Green River College, I am still proud to call myself a Gator and to call it my second home. During my two years at Green River College, I received numerous guidance and was given many opportunities to build and strengthen my leadership, teamwork, creative and critical thinking skills. The advisors and instructors at Green River College create a close-knit community with their students and you can truly feel that they care about their students sincerely. Hence, I would like to thank my advisors, instructors and good friends from Green River College who have supported me throughout my college and university transition. They have undoubtedly helped to make me who I am. GO GATORS!
While attending Green River College, Amanda Teo was one of our Featured Students. In this video she shares why she chose to study at GRC and what she loved most about being an international student here.
More articles about Amanda Teo's Face Shield project:
- UB Medical Students Donate Handmade Face Shields - Kaleida Health
- In the ISS Spotlight: UB Students Helping to Fight COVID-19 - The International Bulletin - University of Buffalo
