The devastation of a single virus on a global-scale impacted humanity in enormous ways. However, the hope from a single person can cause a ripple-effect that seeps into multiple hearts and minds. One may be hesitant to ever guess that this aspiration to bring about uplifting inspiration would come from a nine-year-old child. Prisha Hedau has brought a ray of light to our time, as she took on the negative of the coronavirus and wrote a book. She became one of the youngest authors in the world with her published work entitled Pandemic 2020: A 
9-Year-Old’s Perspective. The process to this publication creation is infused with encouragement and a great support system cheering her on.
Prisha Hadau has parents who are raising her with great moral perspective. They saw a spark in their daughter when reading notecards she wrote on about her experiences through the pandemic. Her dad said, “ she really is a unique one.” All of her thoughts and feelings poured out in written form and when her mother saw it she asked Prisha if she would be interested in writing essays, and ultimately a book. Being who she is, Prisha was up to the challenge and embraced the task with full focus and desire to help others through her views and delightful approach to living her best life now. Prisha said “ I always trust my parents.” As a person who was driven to help others gain hopeful perspective into our response to this new virus, Prisha poured her “emotions and feelings” into this book. In addition to the incredible accomplishment of writing an impactful book, relevant to our times, Prisha took things a step further and donated proceeds to charity! Her heart is full and giving back is something she does not think twice about, as she was able to contribute enough proceeds to feed 2,050 meals to people in need.
There was a great honor bestowed to Prisha from her book as she was chosen to receive the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education Distinguished Student Award (KAGE). This was a remarkable acclamation, as only one student in the whole state is presented with this particular award. When Prisha was asked her advice for her peers who are working to achieve such prestigious recognition she stated that they should, “not aim for this award, aim to do good, dream big, and work hard.” What a developed point of view for someone of such a young age to acquire!
The start of the pandemic brought about a fear that many could not fathom how they would make it through. However, for Prisha and her family, this was a chance to focus their attention on the blessing of slowing down and taking in the importance of simplicity in life. Prisha said she was embracing “more snack breaks, and more time to do yoga and other exercise.” Prisha also revealed the value in respecting others opinions during such an uncertain time. “Every perspective has its own unique touch.” Many adults can learn from this ambitious and compassionate child, as she makes waves in her pursuit to bring a peaceful mindset, when circumstances seem at their worst.
Every child needs those who influence them to rise to their greatest level possible, and to believe that this is a possibility. There are a couple of well-known women who inspire Prisha to be the best version of herself: Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris. When I spoke with Prisha about how she was impacted by them, 
she said Kamala Harris restored her, “hope for her generation.” The quote that is Prisha’s favorite is by Kamala Harris, when she stated, “I may be the first, but I won’t be the last.” This seemed to speak volumes to Prisha that whatever her endeavors may be in life, she can bring them to fruition. Prisha is hopeful that one day she can meet them and personally thank them for inspiring her.
Prisha’s book is one in which she is profoundly hopeful that future generations will be able to “look at and learn from.” Prisha said that anyone from, “4 to 60 years old can relate to this book’s perspective.” It was her desire that the vast majority of people could read and appreciate the efforts of the message she is trying to convey in her writing. And that is, for people to understand that “Everybody is experiencing this. You are not alone!”
Certainly a variety of readers will be moved and motivated by diving into Prisha’s book. Who knows, we may come to a more clear vision about how to respond to whatever comes next in our lives, with a little less panic, and a little more appreciation for what we can enjoy no matter the circumstances presented to us. Sometimes it really does take seeing things through the eyes of a child to understand them better. Prisha stated, “it would be great if you would buy my book and proceed portions will go to people in need.” This quest to help other’s through her work is admirable, and really does magnify hope for the next generation to adopt this philosophy of kindness and helping those around us.
If you are interested in acquiring Prisha’s book you can head over to www.PrishaHedau.com for more information. Her book is also available at every major bookstore.
