View this Coronavirus Story

Hey there,

I have no clue how to even begin explaining how this past year has been. That is bizarre to me, I can't believe I can say 'past year' already. 

I remember hearing about COVID-19 during the winter semester in ELAC in my POLI SCI class. Our professor had been explaining to us that ambassadors or important political people in Wuhan were flying back to the United States because it had gotten really bad there. It honestly seemed like no big deal, everyone in the class was thinking it was going to be like Ebola, irrational fear because it was never going to affect us in a bad way. Then my cousin in Washington started telling me that professors at her school had to cancel their classes because they were exposed to COVID. Even then, it still never crossed my mind that things would be the way they are now.

Anyways, time jump to April, I had to quit my job because by then, COVID was already affecting my community, it's in my home. I had to quit because my mom is diabetic, she is immunocompromised and I would rather struggle financially and cut back on my spending to keep her as safe as I could. It was around this time that people began protesting, they didn't want to wear masks, it was 'an infringement of their rights' whatever that means. So many people fighting and arguing over whether masks actually keep us safe, and that it is so annoying to wear them because "I can't breathe" and blah blah blah. It is horrible watching all of that take place. 

Not only were people complaining about wearing masks, but some of those who were angry at the 'non-maskers' were also the same ones to go out and party all the time. They would go to the bars when they were open, they had large gatherings, and it was just unbearable. It is still unbearable. My neighbor died of COVID. She was no older than 32. Yet I still hear so many people say "you can't live your life in fear forever" in defense of those who are out partying like millions of people haven't lost their lives to this virus. How can you even talk about not being afraid when it is taking the lives of children? Of teenagers? People that don't even have any health issues are falling DEAD from this virus.

America is so selfish. It is so damn selfish. HOW ARE WE A YEAR INTO A PANDEMIC AND PEOPLE ARE STILL ARGUING OVER SAFETY MEASURES? HOW ARE WE A YEAR INTO THE PANDEMIC BUT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN FAMILIES A MEASLY $1600 WHILE HUNDREDS AND THOUSAND OF PEOPLE ARE FACING EVICTION? HOW?! 

All I've felt is anger and maybe a bit of jealousy. God, what I would give to be someone who doesn't care about anyone else but themselves. But no, I have a responsibility to myself and everyone around me to make sure I can help stop the spread of this godforsaken virus. It is everyone's responsibility, and I wish for ONCE everyone would realize that it is OUR duty to watch out for one another.

My only story here is, I have witnessed way too much selfishness during this difficult time, too much loss. So much loss and I just want the world to realize that caring for others goes such a long way. Things would be so much better if we just looked out for one another.