Corona: A Mishmash of Feelings

Coronavirus: the one word consistently circulating through every person’s brain, including mine. I held many expectations for this semester. However, one microscopic virus has completely shattered those notions, and forced every person to evaluate their own situation. I am currently at home and have not left my house much. This abrupt transition from living at school to home requires a new mindset and a strong ability to adapt to a new way of living. Sometimes I feel ready to embrace this new schedule, or lack thereof, and sometimes I don’t. It has been difficult to not see other people. I am constantly worried about the vulnerable people that I know and that I don’t. However I know that I must rest in the hope that by doing my part in being socially responsible, this crisis will resolve sooner rather than later. 

As someone who hopes to be a nurse one day, it frustrates me to see the lack of medical supplies available to them and other healthcare professionals. I think this New York Times article showcases the bleak prognosis of coronavirus’ impact and the dutiful courage of healthcare professionals. I hold so much admiration for every one who enters a hospital ready to serve, and it makes me excited to enter into a profession that produces so much good in trying times. Reading articles like those and talking (over the phone!) with my friends who work in hospitals, it reminds me of the importance of staying home and encourages me to continue adhering strictly to CDC guidelines. I think stories like these are important to spur others on to do the same, and I hope more will emerge. 

Even though this time has proven to be incredibly hard and uncertain for everyone, I think it will reveal levels of human ingenuity that people have not witnessed in our generation. I am encouraged by people 3D printing facemasks. I also feel a sense of pride knowing that UNC has led the way in creating testing kits and studying drugs in order to meet urgent needs. In addition, one UNC professor even created a guide for students with autism. I am choosing to focus on those moments because they lift my spirits in a time when I feel quite weary and overwhelmed. My plea is that everyone listens to professionals by staying at home if they can and by washing their hands. Overall my charge is this: let’s use this moment in time to stand up for the vulnerable by sitting down on our couches.