By Matt Villanueva, Features Editor
About six months ago, we were all sent home and said, “Well, this will be all over in two weeks.” Six months later, here we are; tired, exhausted, fatigued and exasperated. We are all ready for this to be done— the pandemic, the racial unrest, the online classes. But I’m here to tell you, you’re doing a great job. From the failed bakers to the fresh knitters, keep it up.
Shoutout to the failed bakers who tried to replicate Paul Hollywood from “The Great British Baking Show.” Your continued persistence to attempt the perfect sourdough or brioche is unmatched. Especially when you wait five hours just for it to come out too raw or under risen.
Shoutout to the people who picked up a new hobby. Whether it was learning a new instrument or knitting, finding ways to cope is always important. Even if you’re flat while trying to sing along to “Riptide” on the ukulele. Your commitment to help make the world a happier place is appreciated by all.
To the people with a brand-new hairstyle compared to the one they had in March. For those who have grown their hair the longest it has ever been, a new color or cut it themselves for the first time, your courage to try (and rock) something new is applauded.
Shoutout to those who started going outside more. For many, it may have only been an excuse to leave your eerie mountain of work that you procrastinated doing, but you have been given a gateway to appreciate how beautiful this planet really is. Thank you for sharing your blurry Snapchat stories of a sunset and helping others to appreciate the natural beauties this world has to offer.
Shoutout to the people who stayed inside more. Rest is important now more than ever. We all need a break from the stagnant Zoom backgrounds to rest your mind. It’s okay to take a break and binge all of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” on Netflix after a three-day bender absolutely crushing the intimidating to-do list that dangled above your workspace. You can now binge “Avatar: Legend of Korra.”
Shoutout to the people who found a silver lining after a wiped-out opportunity—study abroad, internships, a vacation or plans in general. For those who were able to make lemonade out of water and find a break in the clouds in the middle of the wreckage that hung over this excuse of a democracy. Your continued stride to enjoy work is admirable.
Shoutout to the teachers, educators and counselors who worked their tails off to continue to mold the minds of their students. To those who were able to make a seamless transition to online Zooming, you are the real MVPs.
Shoutout to the people with anxiety who were able to weather the storm. To those who were able to hold off panic attacks and cope with the hellish state we’ve found ourselves in. To those who were able to mask a smile and continue to function during such a dysfunctional situation. You are not alone.
To those who have continued to follow COVID-19 protocol. It’s incredibly bothersome to continue wearing masks to class, grocery store or work. Or not being able to hang out with your friends as much as you would have liked. Your persistence to help impede the spread of the virus is admired.
Finally, congratulations to all those who have continued to fight. For those fighting against racial injustices, keep it up; your voice is important. For those who had to fight through the virus that has taken over 1 million lives, your strength is unimaginable. For those who have had to fight through the grief of losing someone due to COVID-19 or any other condition in the past six months; your pain is inconceivable and I marvel at your strength.
We may have another six months of this chaotic zoom-filled world, maybe it’ll only last a few more weeks. Nonetheless, you’re doing great. Until this pandemonic pandemic is over, it’s okay to be scared; you’re not alone. Wear a mask and be kind.
villanjv18@bonaventure.edu
