Not all Heroes Wear Capes

In these strange and possibly scary times, many of us are left in the dark. The current pandemic has left many of us confused, concerned, and constantly trying to gain more insight on what’s going on. My friends and family are glued to their phones and television screens, only to see a rise in the number of cases, and even worse, the deaths caused by this pandemic.

This experience has been quite an adjustment, but it has also been a time of reflection. Students and parents alike are using resources such as Zoom to go on with their “normal” lives. And I am not an exception. My classes, internships, and job have all been affected in some capacity, and admittedly, the change can get overwhelming. I am the epitome of a homebody but even for an introvert who’d much rather be at home with a good book than in a crowd, but staying in is difficult. It is times like this where it is important to take care of health, both physically and mentally. Staying active, meditating, and taking up new hobbies such as painting has helped tremendously. And, as I mentioned above, it is time for reflection. Reflection is another key to taking care of yourself mentally. This time has given us a chance to be to ourselves and sit in the company of our own thoughts. My thoughts are occupied with the ongoings but also the people it affects. I think of the establishments that are closed. I think of the small businesses that may be affected by what’s going on. More importantly, I think of all of the people putting their own lives on the line just to ensure that others are taken care of. The selfless acts of these individuals are admirable, and there is no better time to thank them than now.

Obviously, doctors, nurses, and other workers in the medical field (including some of my own family) are working diligently to help those in need. However, they aren’t the only ones. Grocery stores are still open (as they are essential), and those who work there are working despite the risks involved. These people are heroes, and may not realize how important (and brave) they are. I can only imagine the strain it is for everyone in this position, but day in and day out, they are going on with their jobs. Their work is a remarkable act of bravery that I now realize we take for granted. Before the pandemic, some people looked down on certain jobs, and it is those same exact jobs that are helping us survive. When we do go outside, it is to go grocery shopping for our families. It is then when we see these workers going on with their jobs while trying to help others. I think we can all agree that what they’re doing is admirable. And, we should respect them and commend them for their actions.

As the saying goes, not all heroes wear capes. There are “everyday people” who are working and carrying on as if everything is “normal,” or at least as normal as it can be. On the other hand, people in the medical field are typically held in high regard anyway. Still, the current circumstances make their jobs even more essential and heroic. These people are heroes and should be treated as such.

While this is a time for reflection, it is also a time for compassion. Once everything settles, we should be compassionate towards each other more than ever. And, it should begin with a thank you to the heroes who are working during these troubled times. Thank you to the doctors, the nurse, the grocery store workers, and so many more, whose jobs we take for granted. You are truly appreciated!