A lot has been going on recently and I think everyone is frustrated, nervous, and confused. Classes have been canceled. Students are being forced to move out of their dorms. People are losing their jobs. And the entire nation is headed towards a shutdown.
In the wake of everything happening, I have been trying to keep one simple thought in mind.
Be kind.
Recently I viewed this TedTalk. In this speech, activist Bryan Stevenson talks about the American Justice System and how it has been a disservice to so many minority people in America. But, Stevenson said something that stuck with me. He said, "Ultimately, our humanity depends on everyone else's humanity."
Think about that for just a moment.
What happens to you, depends on the humanity of everyone around you. And what happens to everyone around you, depends on your humanity.
I know this may seem far fetched and out of this world, but step back and look at the bigger picture.
COVID-19 isn't just affecting China or Italy or The United States. It is affecting everyone. It affects your peers, neighbors, family, local grocery workers, doctors, educators, children, everyone.
Don't get me wrong, your feelings about graduation being canceled are valid. Your anger about the transition to online classes is also valid. Your frustration that the spring break trip you booked three months ago is now not happening and you can't even get a refund is also valid.
But, take a moment to think about what else is going on in the world right at this very second.
Italy is basically on lockdown. Doctors and nurses are putting their own health on the line to work around the clock to save those who are dying from COVID-19. Foodservice workers are losing their jobs. Children can't go to school to receive a hot meal. Educators are flustered with the struggle to move content to online classes.
Think about all the other people in this world who are feeling just as you are: helpless.
In a time like this, it is important to remember to be appreciative of all those who are trying to stop this pandemic. And yes, that includes everyone who is social distancing and staying home.
Doctors, scientists, and even politicians are urging you all to stay home to help each other. To help the rest of humanity.
I know it is hard to isolate yourself from friends, family, even work. From a mental health standpoint, I know it eats away at you to be alone with your thoughts all day. But, we must persevere.
If we can all work together and attempt to stay in and avoid large, crowded areas for just a few weeks, we have the ability to change so much.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. "Human beings are free except when humanity needs them. Maybe humanity needs you. To do something."
So, be kind during this time because humanity needs you. Humanity needs you to stay home. Humanity needs you to make the right decisions. Humanity needs you to help stop this pandemic.
