One year down

It’s been a year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. 

It’s been a year since we were told we would have an extended Spring Break. 

It’s been a year since the world went remote. 

Although 365 days has brought a lot of change, it still feels like certain things have stayed the same. We’re still in a pandemic. We’re still doing everything virtually. We’re still burntout and desperate for a break. 

So, how do we keep going? 

Throughout this past year, I’ve tried hard to remain positive and stay motivated. That’s definitely easier said than done. People all around the world missed out on countless opportunities and events. Some things can be postponed and rescheduled, but that hasn’t been very promising with COVID numbers being so much worse than they were a year ago. In a way, I’ve gotten used to social distancing, constantly wearing a mask, and not being able to attend events in-person, but I know I’m not the only person who wants to return to how life was before the pandemic. I miss interacting with people on campus, going to class everyday, dancing at football and basketball games, and so much more. How we’re living now is considered our “new normal,” but nothing about how we’re living is normal. We’re supposed to have human interaction and physically be in the classroom. Young children are falling behind because they’re not having traditional school years, but how we’re operating right now seems to be the safest option for everybody.

Even though this might be the safest option right now, people still have the right to be disappointed about what they’re missing out on.  Our government hasn’t been supporting citizens in the ways they should be and it’s infuriating. If people are losing their jobs and not getting regular paychecks, they should be able to rely on the government to have their backs in such unprecedented times. Rent is still due at the first of every month, but what about those who aren’t able to pay their bills? It seems so cruel to evict people in a pandemic, but that’s been the harsh reality for many Americans throughout the past year. I understand that everybody has had to change their lifestyles during these past 12 months, but with things only getting worse, we need support and assistance now more than ever. 

I’ve had time to reflect since our lives have been turned upside down, and I’m doing the best I can. Things have been difficult these past 12 months and I know things won’t always be easy as the pandemic continues, but with vaccines becoming accessible for everybody, I have faith that things will get better sooner rather than later. 

We’re one year down with, hopefully, not much longer to go.