COVID-19 has unquestionably ruined our lives. Nearly 2 million people worldwide have died after being infected with the novel coronavirus. As of Oct. 13, 2020, an estimated 690 million people globally are undernourished. Zoom now controls the careers of millions of Americans. Children are now used to seeing their peers through only computer screens, unable to experience any face-to-face interaction. As phased vaccine distribution advances to include more Americans, we must look toward a brighter future and learn to appreciate once overlooked aspects of our pre-pandemic lives.
Take walks outside, even if it’s extremely cold. Continue to develop the relationships you’ve fostered during quarantine. Make the most of any outing, no matter how seemingly insignificant. Strike up a conversation with someone new in a busy cafe. Take a few extra seconds to admire a full lecture hall. Although COVID-19 is far from being over, use this experience as an opportunity to revitalize your life and appreciate the little moments. For now, we must be patient and continue to socially distance.
The hard part is nearly over, and the finish line is almost in sight.
Sara Khan (23C) is from Fairfax, Virginia.
Sara Khan (23C) is from Fairfax, Virginia, double majoring in neuroscience and behavioral biology and English. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching Netflix shows, playing sports and listening to music. Contact Khan at sara.a.khan@emory.edu.
