By Casey Glickman
Students at the University of Maryland showed appreciation for the caregivers in their lives on Friday in honor of National Caregivers Day, an annual holiday that recognizes the individuals who support them.

National Caregivers Day was established in 2015 to honor professional caregivers in the healthcare industry and family caregivers who provide stability to their loved ones, according to UNSEEN. To mark the occasion, students shared their appreciation for parents, siblings and grandparents who inspire them.

When Sasha Sampaio, a sophomore public health science major, heard the word “caregiver,” she immediately thought of her mom. Sampaio said her mother grew up in Peru and moved to the United States at about 17 years old in search of more opportunities and a better future for her children.

Sampaio admires her mother’s work ethic and how she always puts Sampaio and her sister first.

“Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am right now,” Sampaio said. “I’ve watched her conquer so many things, and at the end of the day, that has never stopped her from caring for me and always being there.”

Sara Leisawitz, a sophomore neuroscience major, said caregiving doesn’t always come from a parent. Instead, she sees her older brother as a role model.

“He is very driven and knows what he wants, which is something I look up to,” she said.

While her brother earned his undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, Leisawitz admired his ability to balance college life. Seeing him perform well in his classes while working on neuroscience research motivates Leisawitz in her own academic journey.

“I look up to him in a way of just trying to figure out what I want and looking at the things he has done with his life and thinking about if I would do those things,” she said.

She joked that he is loyal, levelheaded and loves to give advice—even when she doesn’t ask for it.

Anaya Barrett, a freshman finance and accounting major, said her grandmother comes to mind first when she thinks of a caregiver.

Barrett explained that her grandmother, Elaine, has always been a strong supporter of her family. After moving from South Carolina to New York with her children, Elaine continuously worked to help put her daughter—Barrett’s mother—in positions with opportunities to succeed.

“She has always been in a position where she hasn’t had the most, but she has had to give the most, and she does it wholeheartedly,” Barrett said. “I’m here now because of the decisions she made.”

Generous and resilient are just a few words that Barrett feels her grandmother embodies. 

“She helps people so much that she doesn’t really think about herself,” Barret said.

Barrett knows her grandmother does not always like receiving things for herself. But National Caregivers Day gives Barrett and others a chance to show their appreciation with a phone call or lunch date.

Featured Image: Students outside of McKeldin Library. Photo by Casey Glickman.