Nallely De Leon believes her world is better than it was four years ago when COVID-19 shuttered schools and businesses.

“I honestly am very happy and better now than I was before the pandemic,” said De Leon, a Business Management major, “I’m proud of the stronger woman I have become as well as a better mom every day.”

The pandemic changed her life.

“I did have COVID even while pregnant,” said De Leon, whose baby was born in March 2021. 

“During the pandemic I  … received the [federal] stimulus checks,” she said. “I was able to start my own business and think about ways to make money from home, so I started making shirts and cups to make extra income.”

De Leon also used the stimulus funds to buy equipment to start a business renting bounce houses for parties and other events..

Though the pandemic was hard, she said it forced a change in her.

“I believe most of us really got an eye opener (with the pandemic) to do better and make sure we have saved funds,” said De Leon, “We never know what tomorrow brings.”