Fighting back

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put the world on pause, these six teens are working to stitch their communities back together—one mask, meal or virtual meet-up at a time.

- By Katherine Hammer

SAVING LIVES WITH SHIELDS

Isabella Yu, 17

As a mentor at MakeX, a Palo Alto, Calif., student-run maker space, Isabella Yu was no stranger to 3D printing. “Before the pandemic, 3D printing was often just for cool personal projects,” she says, “but now it’s really taken on a new meaning for everyone. It’s less of a hobby—and more of a lifesaving thing.”

When Isabella heard about hospitals’ personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage, she knew MakeX had to step up. Isabella and her fellow makers decided to partner with another local maker space and print face shields for nearby medical workers.

“We really wanted to help out our doctors and nurses who are doing so much during this difficult time,” Isabella says of MakeX. “We’ve produced over 6,000 face shields in the past few weeks.”

Their current goal? 200,000 shields to help those on the front lines of the pandemic.

While living in one of the first COVID-19 hotspots has been stressful, Isabella has found solace in her service. “The medical professionals have been so thankful for what MakeX has been doing,” she says. “It makes me feel that much more connected to my community.”

DELIVERING HOPE

Mira Kwon, 17