A year ago around this time, we were enjoying our mid semester break and dreading as college was about to reopen in two days when suddenly, holidays were extended for a week more because somewhere in the world some people caught some disease, and we thought that it obviously is not going to travel to our country so we might as well relax at home for a week more before the hustle starts again. Little did we know what the next few (read: many) months had in store for us.
The past one year has been extremely difficult for almost everyone around the globe, from some people losing their jobs to others losing their loved ones. There were people who had to suddenly cancel their vacation plans and others who had to pay humongous amount of money and take an emergency flight back home, some were hoarding all kinds of food supplies and others were busy stocking toilet paper rolls. Some finished their college life in virtual mode while others have still not seen their college campus.
But even amidst all this, everyone managed to keep calm and sail through the days by keeping themselves busy. It was as if the entire globe had come together to fight the disease but also make the most out of the situation. The lockdown in all countries started almost simultaneously, with people making all sorts of delicacies at home. The ones who had never even boiled water before were now making the fancy Dalgona Coffee all on their own! Post this everyone telepathically decided to ditch this habit of eating junk everyday and create a gym with whatever they had at home, and exercise!
Soon after schools, colleges and offices started reopening, obviously virtually, and we discovered new heights of how we could’ve studied all our lives without actually travelling to the school/college (and could’ve spent that time on Netflix instead). Classes, assignments, exams, everything happened online and the semester sailed by smoothly.
While we were sitting at home, nature was blooming. Pollution everywhere had decreased by more than ten folds and am not going to lie, we could feel the difference. The fresh air that we were breathing and the clear skies overhead were completely in contrast from what were used to.
Sitting at home for what seemed like an eternity, we were able to pass those few months doing something or the other. Towards the end of 2020, as things started opening up and offices, restaurants and even marriages were allowed with limited capacity, wearing masks, sanitizing and maintaining a good distance while socializing became the new normal. Students became hopeful that schools and colleges would open soon, only to be disheartened (time and again) and continue with their online classes.
The world rejoiced as hope passed through everyone when England announced the completion of successful trials of their vaccine and now it’s just a matter of time that everyone gets vaccinated and together we are able to defeat this virus.
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing Covid pandemic and we are back to polluting the air with our vehicles and factories- vaccines, hushed news of colleges reopening and people being able to meet their friends and family are few of the many things that continue to provide us with a breath of fresh air.
Written By Taru Saxena
Editor, The Redstockings Chronicle
Comments