Positive Outcomes of COVID-19 Essay Example

A fair amount of changes have occurred over the last year and a half due to the worldwide virus known as COVID-19. There has been a total of 45.2 million cases in the United States with 732,000 of them resulting in death. Not only did this have a direct impact on the victims, but it also indirectly impacted their friends and families. While cases continued to rise vastly, people worldwide were left to make their own personal decisions. Decisions on what they felt was right for themselves, the surrounding people, and their country. Every one of these decisions brought us to where we are today. Though this was a tragedy, it brought light to all citizens of the United States. It showed the importance of three major principles which include service, leadership, and character.

The first positive outcome of COVID-19 was the increase in service. Many stores adapted to the situation by continuing to provide for customers in the most sanitary and safest way possible. Stores such as Target, BJ’s, and Wegmans had an option for curbside pick up where they would shop for the customers and bring the groceries to the car in a contactless way. Many stores took part in this movement to keep their customers and associates protected during times of uncertainty. Secondly, development in leadership was shown through the government and executive office. They were left to make the final ultimatums for the safety of their citizens. These mandates include requirements for masks, social distancing, and vaccines. Despite the controversy, those in power took leadership by acting on a growing problem. This was completed in a reasonable and timely matter. In addition to the previous statement, growth in character was promoted through this life-changing event. Quarantine allowed time for everyone to find themselves and to engage in services. As sympathy grew for the situation and people affected by it, the more others wanted to help. One volunteer program that was successful was the American Red Cross Association. They provided COVID-19 safe opportunities along with other projects such as boots on the ground. This allowed people to help others while also mentally bettering themselves.

Furthermore, the pandemic changed me into a more positive and empathetic person. Learning about different struggles allowed me to become more aware. Beforehand, I purposely avoided listening to the news to escape from all the negative things happening in the world. Now, after the pandemic, I found the importance of becoming socially aware. This helped me learn my role in what is happening around me. By becoming socially aware, my empathy has grown for those who struggle from major events but also those who struggle day-to-day. I learned to not prejudge other individuals knowing that everyone is dealing with their own hardships. Another way I expanded my empathy was by being respectful to those around me. I stayed home if I felt sick, always wore a mask, and remained cautious of those around me. COVID-19 also helped me see the world in more light. Currently, I am more positive about the progress we have made since the beginning of the pandemic and the progress we will continue to make. I do not want life to go back to how it was during quarantine which makes me appreciative of where we are today.

Overall, the pandemic has encouraged growth in aspects such as services, leadership, and character. Many public businesses grew their contributions in services, leadership from the government and executive office grew in a  positive direction, and there was development in character growth among citizens. I Individually grew into empathetic and positive characteristics. I did this by becoming aware of events that affect people around me, being respectful of others’ safety concerns, and by staying positive. Having a positive outlook allowed me to stay untroubled during stressful times.