Opinion: Silver Linings in the time of COVID-19
Editor’s note: The numbers regarding the cases of COVID-19 were accurate at the time when this article was written. The figure has since gone up.
In this period of uncertainty and turmoil regarding COVID-19, there are plenty of articles addressing the risks, precautions and negative effects of the virus. The number of worldwide cases has reached nearly 1.3 million with a majority of the world’s countries now affected. There are, however, still opportunities to learn and stay positive during this time. Here are six silver linings I’ve found in trying to make the most of this situation.
Renewed gratitude
Picture this: It’s Saturday. You gather with 10 or more friends, eat out at your favorite restaurant and catch a movie afterward. At the end of the night, you hug your friends goodbye. Sunday you have the option to attend religious services. Monday comes, and you attend classes in-person, hit the gym, and finish the night at the skating rink — are you excited to do that again? Will you feel more grateful next time you can go? If you would have told me six months ago that I wouldn’t be able to plan a night like this, I would’ve thought it was crazy. Now, I look forward to when we can gather and participate in these activities.
Technology and processes are more sophisticated than ever
If there were a “good time” to live through a pandemic, this would probably be it. Consider the technology available to us. For all of us who are social distancing, and even people that are quarantined, connecting is possible through video chat, phone calls, texts, social media, etc. If this pandemic were to occur as much as 20 years ago, many of these options would be unavailable or, at least, less accessible. Our medical technology is also more advanced, and testing as well as symptom-treating drugs are available, with a vaccine hopefully on the way.. Even our distribution channels (i.e. grocery stores, online shopping) are better prepared for social distancing with many already offering pickup and home delivery. God bless our doctors, nurses, medical staff, grocery store employees, and anyone playing a part in keeping our society healthy.
Learn about investing
In terms of world finances and the economy, the coronavirus has obviously had a devastating effect. However, there is a silver lining, especially for college students: there’s a lower cost-barrier for investments. By investing, you can benefit yourself and society at the same time. And now, many sections of the market are facing decreased value and prices. If you are looking to begin investing and don’t know where to start, two apps are particularly popular among new investors due to simplicity and low cost: Robinhood and Stash. Even if you aren’t looking to make money on an investment now, there is educational value in watching the market and how it reacts to world events and societal perception. For example, even though the market as a whole has shown decreasing value, some stocks are increasing in value, such as Clorox, COSTCO and Zoom.
Improving education
Our education system has proved to be robust. I’m impressed that classes were able to move online in a matter of days, and I applaud the professors, teachers, TAs and other faculty who got this done. If there is a similar situation in the future due to pandemic or other circumstances, this preparation will prove helpful in at least two ways: First, there are now thousands of hours of online video instruction archived and available for use; second, if we think of the current situation as a preparation period, teachers and students alike have learned through trial and error what works and what doesn’t. (For example, I’ve learned that creating a consistent personal schedule for online classes is a must). In other words, we know we have materials to fall back on and a greater ability to respond to dynamic, changing circumstances. I am also interested to see if this makes online learning more attractive, accessible and affordable for students in coming years.
Time with ourselves and loved ones and books
As people spend more time being isolated in homes or apartments, some have found it difficult to maintain their mental health. While online classes and remote work are challenging, there are many resources to help with the isolation, and this is an opportunity to work on mental coping strategies. We also have more opportunity to know ourselves, to reflect, ponder and be present when we have quiet time. Where possible, many people are able to spend more time with loved ones, whether that means moving home, visiting or having conversations via technology. Even if you aren’t gathering physically, there are other ways to connect, and some have turned to online gaming and social media to fill the social distance. Another way that people are using their “extra time” that might otherwise be spent watching sports or gathering in public places is by reading and discovering new interests. You can even connect with friends to see what they’re reading or join a book club — just one that meets for discussion online rather than in-person.
An opportunity for unity
I published an article in January touching on the division in the United States and how it was difficult to agree on almost anything politically. The Hong Kong protests were unifying for Americans and government officials. (Would you be shocked if I told you Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump took the same side on this one?) This is yet another opportunity to come together. Ironically, in these circumstances we all have a vested interest in coming together by staying apart.
Featured graphic created by Keith Wilson. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect his own.