March 2020 marked the beginning of a global crisis that lasted more than three years, officially ending in May 2023.

More than one million lives were lost in the U.S.,  along with more than 400 here in Guam. 

Businesses shuttered, students adapted to online learning, and families faced an unprecedented reality of isolation.

“It was a really hard situation during the pandemic,” said Tamuning resident Vilma White. “The pandemic changed my life.”

KUAM's Jason Salas was in the room when Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and public health officials made the announcement that Guam had confirmed COVID-19 cases.

“You could’ve heard a pin drop in that place. I mean, no reaction from the media,” said Salas. “I remember anchoring the news on a couple occasions a few months in, wearing a mask and gloves. I was like ‘Yes, this is entirely the point! Please stay safe!’”

The constantly shifting information added to the challenges. 

“Every morning, we’d wake up and the CDC would change the rules or there’d be military guys on Marine Drive. Every day was something different,” said KUAM’s Chief Operating Officer Eli Monge. 

“We all filed into work on Monday morning and that’s where our management team had an emergency meeting to figure out what we were going to do because there was so much at stake,” said KUAM’s Chief Executive Officer Marie Calvo-Monge.

One of the hardest sacrifices for many was missing milestone moments.  

“Since Noe was born, I saw the future of her going to college,” Eli said. “My wife and I had Noe, and that was our Super Bowl. We waited for it, we wanted it, and it was the first Monge in my family to graduate college. So, it was really disheartening.”

The fear of the unknown was overwhelming but for those at high risk, the stakes felt even higher.

“You know, I have health issues, so I was really scared. I mean, I think everybody was scared, but more so the ones who are at high risk,” said KUAM’s Human Resource Manager, Christie San Agustin. 

“Five years ago, I was a high school senior, expecting to end the school year with a whirlwind of milestones, until life shifted into what we called 'the new normal'. It was a time of change, loss, and uncertainty,but also one of resilience, innovation, and community. Now, as we move forward, we carry those lessons with us, proving that even in the hardest times, we find ways to adapt, rebuild, and grow,” said KUAM’s Nevaeh Anderson.