Jasmin, 24

"If you told me at the beginning of this year that a [pandemic] like this would happen, especially worldwide, I wouldn't believe you. In the beginning, it was this "thing" that was happening, and it seemed scary, but it wasn't right in front of us. Now it's everywhere, with New York having the highest rates in the country, and you can do so much to try to be safe, but anyone can get the virus, it doesn't discriminate. It feels surreal, and it's also frustrating because some people aren't taking it seriously. People are dying from it. We are an essential business, so we are blessed to be able to stay open and be able to work during this time; a lot of people don't have that luxury. I can't help but feel guilty because I'm safe at home, and our guys are still taking the subway and running the risk of being exposed. I know it's scary to be out there, but I think, mentally, it helps to know that we can still have financial stability. With that said, I'm sorry to everyone that has lost a loved one because of this [virus]. If you can, try to stay home until this gets under control or until there are enough resources and believe everything will be okay in the end."

---

read all of their stories