Turning to faith and the values taught at Gayaza High School
Story by Dr. Olivia Kasirye.
I graduated from Gayaza High School in 1982. I was the Head Girl in my senior year. Gayaza High School impacted my life in a lot of ways: it is in Gayaza that my interest in biology set me on a path to becoming a doctor; I developed a love for reading books, especially biographies; I became a born again Christian; and I learnt a lot about leadership, and what it takes to be a good leader.
“Right now, my work life is completely consumed with dealing with the COVID19 pandemic. Our entire team works long hours, 7 days a week to deal with the different issues that come up.”
It has been stressful mentally, physically and emotionally. Public Health Officials in general have faced a huge backlash because of how the COVID response was politicized in the US. Many of my colleagues have retired or resigned from their positions because of deaths threats and hostility they faced from the public and pressure from some politicians. I also had challenges at work when the CEO of the County became hostile to me and tried to drive me out. I stayed on because I felt that I needed to be there for my staff during a very trying time.
“I often remembered the Gayaza motto “Never Give up!” and strengthened myself with verses from the Bible.”
Fortunately, things changed, and that CEO was put on administrative leave. I appreciate the support I received from my staff and friends in the community during this time to be able to endure and persevere. Another tough thing about my job during this period has been getting phone calls and emails from desperate business owners whose businesses were closed, and they were going bankrupt, as well as families devastated by deaths due to COVID.
We are not yet back to normal socially, a lot of businesses are still closed. I feel like the country is also going through a transition politically. It will take a while to get back to the normal life as we knew it before. I am glad we now have a vaccine that will help us get the infections down.
One lesson I have learnt through all these trials is that “you never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” I encourage everyone to read the book ‘The Great Influenza’ by John M. Barry that recounts the 1918 flu pandemic, it is a fascinating read. Lastly, when your turn comes, PLEASE GET VACCINATED!
Thank you for your time.
Dr Olivia Kadoko Kasirye lives in Sacramento, California. She is married, an empty nester with two adult children. She is the Sacramento county Health Officer and in that role, she oversees all the public health programs in the county. She also oversees the county’s response to COVID19, including issuing health officer orders, providing guidance to schools, businesses and policy makers, providing information to the public, and overseeing the roll out of the vaccine effort.