I don’t believe there isn’t a person in this world who hasn’t been impacted by the pandemic in some way. Since it began, lots of changes have been happening. Schools have shut down. Businesses have been forced to reduce the number of employees who work for them. Social gatherings have pretty much disappeared. Life as we know it has been altered in more ways than we could ever have imagined.
Through all of this, people have been told to remain hopeful. A vaccine is on the way, and we will all get back to the life we once knew. For those who have had the virus or even know someone who has contracted it, this prediction can seem far away. People want to return to living, learning, and working the way they used to. Looking around me, I can see adapting to these changes has proven difficult for most.
Fortunately for me, I have not experienced any major problems. I’ve continued to work steadily throughout the pandemic and keep up with my educational pursuits. Because I take online classes, using a computer for taking and submitting exams has been convenient for me even before COVID was discovered. If anything, the ordeal has made me more focused on accomplishing the goals I’ve set for myself a long time ago. I go to work every day, do what I need to, come home and take care of my responsibilities there, and then study. It is a rigorous routine. There are days when I don’t feel like working so hard, but I know I won’t get anywhere if I slack off. So, I keep pushing myself.
I hear so many complaints about how people cannot do anything because they feel as though their freedom has been taken away. Yes, it does get frustrating at times. However, this does not mean you have to put a hold on doing what you enjoy. You can still find ways to channel your interests and contribute to causes you feel passionate about. Do the things that make you happy and comfortable. For me, it’s all about the creative aspect. When I am working on a project that I know is going well, I feel as though I can do anything. That is why I try to write every day. I can express myself freely and do not have to worry about someone judging me. A sense of power flows through me as my pen glides across the page or my fingers race over the keys.
Will we get through this crisis? Yes, with faith. The news broadcasts can be depressing. When you are seeking inspiration, look to your friends and family. They will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. That’s what they are there for, and you will grow to care about them even more.
-Barbara Irvin, employee at North Central Sight Services, Inc. for 17 years.