From my perspective as a teen, I’d say youth have been hit pretty hard by the pandemic, so why are we being so reckless? I’m not going to condemn all teenagers and young adults for the ignorance we are displaying. I also will not excuse myself and say that I am not exhibiting the same behaviour, at times: gathering in groups, not wearing masks, and the like.
Yes, we’re in the wrong, but you have to understand what we see and understand.
I’m missing out on my teenage years. I’m tired, I’m scared, I want this to be over. I think that is a contributing factor to why people are so reckless at this point in time.
From what we’ve seen on the news, we are part of the demographic that less likely to contract COVID-19. Although that is no excuse, it has made it harder to see the reality of the situation. I think a lot of youth feel sort of disconnected from COVID-19. I think that we all need a reality check.
Unless we are directly affected, or someone close to us is, it’s hard to truly take it all in.
Our actions have consequences, and we have more control over the situation than we know. I’ve heard many different opinions about the situation we’ve found ourselves in, some on the opposite spectrum of my own. I’ve heard some of my peers rebuke people for using masks and taking precautions while attempting to socialize. One said that wearing a mask is pointless. From what I’ve heard, masks don’t totally prevent you from contracting the virus, but if we all wore them and kept our distance, it would make a difference.
I also want to point out the fact that we’re not the only ones. Adults and seniors have displayed a disregard for COVID-19 guidelines. That sways us too.
As much as I want to say that we are an independent generation, no one is completely exempt from those around them or their environment.
I’ve seen people who I admire and care for, who are much older and considerably more experienced than myself, continue to live their lives as if we weren’t in a pandemic.
I have heard people say that if coronavirus is the way they are meant to die then, so be it. They are not willing to take simple precautions so that their own life will not be impeded in any way.
I don’t mean to shift the blame onto anyone else, I just want to call attention to the fact that one group of people is not at fault.
Ultimately, I want everyone to rally, put an end to the death and sickness. This is a global effort, we need to stop making excuses for ourselves. Wear masks, follow the guidelines, keep your distance. We are all afraid, we are all stressed.
We all want our lives back, but when we stop protecting ourselves and those around us, is when this extends for another year.
Coronavirus isn’t over and it won’t end until we take control as a nation, as a people — united.
Emily Rice is a Howe Sound Secondary student entering Grade 12 this year.
