In a time that is ravaged with some of the worst that the world can offer, it can be hard to pick out any sort of positives that have come from the situation. However, not all is bleak and in times such as these it is important to see the good that is in the world. For the past few months, people have been paying too much attention to all of the terrible news that has been going on and not to the bright side.
As has been a long-standing idea brought up alongside disasters of the past, the world always learns from the past. The country was not prepared for a pandemic to this extent, as evidenced by the lack of ventilators and protective equipment that has inundated the news. The federal government had misstepped in its response, whether that be late action or eliminating the pandemic response team without replacing them.
In the future, the government will most likely ensure that such mistakes are not replicated in the name of preserving the general welfare. Surely, careful preparations will be made in the future to minimize any replications.
“The best way to prevent this is to have a formal definition of national emergency and have set procedures to go into effect immediately such as financial relief packages, lockdown measures, medical supply stockpiles and more,” junior Amit Deshpande said.
Through the duration of the pandemic, people across the world have been using measures such as social distancing and keeping themselves in quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus. It truly is an outstanding testament to the resolve of the American people that most have partaken in fighting to stop the spread. There have certainly been bad eggs, but the vast majority have been taking care of their fellow people.
Following along with the idea of social distancing but shifting towards youth, the educational system of the country has done an outstanding job. To transform into a system of online learning in the span of a week or two is unprecedented in the history of the nation and it is impressive how efficient this has been.
“I have to say I am very lucky to work with a department that has always been collaborative, but now more than ever I can say, I couldn’t have done it without their help,” math teacher Cynthia Prybella said. “From sharing ideas and materials to counseling sessions and reflections, teaching this online format has really increased comradery.”
Studies have shown that general pollution and environmental damage has decreased as a result of the pandemic. With climate change being in the political atmosphere the most that it has ever been, it is beneficial that there is an aspect of the world that is improving from all that is going on. For as long as the pandemic is going on, climate change will be slowed and stress on the Earth’s atmosphere will be eased.
“My hope is that this is a trend that will continue during the next phase, as communities put forth an effort to help support local, small businesses so that they don’t go out of business,” global perspectives teacher Meaghan Whitesides said. “If people can have a better balance of shopping locally-for food and other items-than the carbon footprint might be lessened, overall.”
While the crisis has taken its toll and it is unknown how long it will take to recover, solace can be taken in knowing that not everything is bad. Even in the catastrophes of the world, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.
