It’s been three years since Covid-19 began to spread. Many individuals from different walks of life were trying to navigate this new pandemic world. This led to lockdowns, isolation, and minimal in-person contact. Based on the circumstances, everyone would agree that the Covid-19 Pandemic was a hard battle to face and experience.
However, underneath all the hardships, sacrifice, and illness, was a small ray of hope and love.
During this experience, I noticed that this pandemic united us and brought us closer together. Here I have a list of a few things that have occurred during the Covid-19 that brought a smile to someone’s face or a new appreciation for what and who we have in our lives.
BAKING BREAD
This by far was the most fun social media trend that began during the pandemic. It seems baking bread is a thing we do in a pandemic crisis. Bread is a comfort food that is versatile and brings people together. When the majority of the United States was isolated for their safety, bread seemed like the only thing we had.
People who didn’t bake began to turn on their ovens and attempt a new hobby. This became a social media trend that brought some hope and kindness throughout the United States. Not only were people baking bread, but they would also post it online and the great commentary between fellow newbies in the kitchen or experts alike began to form a new connection.
A new hobby was made and the sharing of baked goods with neighbors, strangers, and family members brought on a new love and appreciation for the common staple that is fresh bread.
MEDIA COMMUNICATION
Social media has plenty of controversial backlash on whether it’s good for you or not. During Covid-19 social media became a life jacket for many, especially for connection. Isolation prevented families and friends from seeing each other. Video calls such as FaceTime, Instagram Lives, or private video calls became the norm. Facebook video groups and technology such as Zoom became the standard form of communication not just for personal but for remote jobs, companies, and schools.
According to a Pew Research Center survey (conducted in April 2021), the use of the internet has changed, and it is how helpful technology has been. “The vast majority of adults (90%) say the internet has been at least important to them personally during the pandemic, the survey finds. For those who believe it has been essential – 58%. A large majority of Americans (equivalent to 81%) say they used video calls since the onset of the pandemic. Lastly, the use of digital tools became more relevant to Americans and went up to 40%. To break down the percentages 44% of individuals relied on text or group messaging apps to stay connected with family and friends, 38% felt similar about voice calls, video calls were 30%”.
ESSENTIAL WORKERS
It takes a village to raise a child. This is the phrase that comes to mind when thinking of essential workers in all capacities. Many jobs closed, remote jobs were becoming the norm, and it was difficult for individuals and those with families. Covid-19 affected all kinds of people physically, emotionally, financially, and health-wise.
First and foremost, the essential workers in the medical field: doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers of any kind that assisted the elderly, children, and mental health workers deserve all the appreciation in the world. They were doing their best to make sure people who were isolated at home got the proper equipment they needed, tended to those in the hospital and other facilities, and assisted in helping others when their physical, emotional, and mental health was in jeopardy.
Secondly, restaurants, retail, good delivery services, and factory workers are a part of the essential worker force. When the day-to-day outdoor experiences were too risky, many establishments and businesses stepped up and offered compromises.
This is when companies such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Door Dash, Amazon, became our saviors. All kinds of restaurants, fast food or not, have offered many food delivery services including these new apps. Delivery drivers were in high demand, providing friendly services and goods. In addition, factory workers impacted what we ordered online, whether it be grocery services, clothes, activities, and more.
MOVIES & VIDEO GAMES
Films became a solace when indoors as did gaming. Some of the films that received traction were: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), Mulan (2020), Onward (2020), Encanto (2021), Da 5 Bloods (2020) The King of Staten Island (2020), The LoveBirds (2020), Turning Red (2022), and more. They offered entertainment and a great story during those long days spent indoors.
In addition, one videogame that became iconic to pass the time during Covid-19 was Animal Crossing. When real life started to feel overwhelming, gamers flocked to Nintendo Switch’s Animal Crossing to tend to their much happier virtual lives, filled with menial tasks like gardening, fishing, and picking fruit. Stars like Akwafina, Cole Sprouse, and Elijah Wood can’t get enough, and it’s obvious why.
Animal Crossing is an online game where you can connect with your friends virtually and do relaxing small tasks together. Although it may seem mundane, just having a checklist to complete can leave the player with fulfillment and accomplishment.
COMMUNITY
The United States has been in a hectic divide for a while due to differences in opinion. However, this pandemic caused those differences to be set aside not only in our country but across the water. For example, Europe sent 50 tons of protective gear to China, when the pandemic began.
The same was observed when China sent equipment to Europe when the disease seemed to overpower them. The shipment of supplies from China had a Chinese flag and the words, “The friendship road knows no borders.” It goes to show that despite our beliefs and how we live, we can count on each other when things get rough.
You may have experienced this firsthand, whether it be in your neighborhood or outdoors, people coming together and providing supplies such as masks, food, and gloves. Based on my own experience, I have bought extra masks and supplies for coworkers, friends, and neighbors. It’s these small acts of kindness that pull a community together. When going to the store, essential workers provide hand sanitizer dispensers and free masks. All of this is to help stop the spread of Covid-19, for the betterment of our country and the world.
Conclusion
The Covid- 19 Pandemic was a heart-wrenching experience for all. We were isolated, it was difficult and the number of people lost to the virus was one too many. These past years weren’t easy, however, people all over the world banded together through troubled times and helped each other out in several ways.
People baked bread to cope, social media became a tool for entertainment, media interaction, family, and school. Not to mention the dedication health care workers and essential workers brought to help families and individuals with their day-to-day needs and medical care. Finally, movies and entertainment were streaming, bringing some connection and emotional stories to the TV screen.
