We live in a world where compassion doesn't come naturally to most, and we turn a blind eye to
those in need. To me, compassion is showing kindness for others in the harshest of realities,
and giving to others, even when we have nothing to give ourselves. We put aside our selfish
thoughts, and give back to others. When a world so selfish is lacking such a valuable asset, a
pandemic is one to challenge these ideas.
The year 2020 was a yearfilled with compassion. When COVID-19 hit, and the entire world shut
down, many first responders, frontline workers, and essential workers were put to the
test-daily-in a constant test of compassion. These workers put their lives at stake in order to
give what they had to service others.
In my own selfish thoughts, I found myself questioning why we had to be in lockdown for so
long, and complained about wearing masks. It wasn't until I realized that it was a form of
compassion for others to take these extreme measures, and the reason I kept my mask on.
COVID has shown me that it is not hard to be compassionate, and it is an endless cycle.
In an age of COVID where the simplest form of compassion, smiling, is taken away due to the
new normal of wearing masks, this is no longer a simple form of compassion. Society has been
forced to change the way they are compassionate towards one another. I realized in later
months that it wasn't that it wasn't smiling at others that was truly important in these times, but
rather I showed compassion by wearing a mask, and thinking of others through the pandemic.
Not just personally, but millions of others came together during the year, sacrificing family
gatherings, and social interactions among others. Millions of people wore masks even when
they didn't want to, and showed compassion through new actions like social distancing, and
communicating online. People sacrificed their businesses and mental health by staying home in
order to keep people safe, showing a collective effort of compassion. The year 2020 showed me
that the world could come together, and be overly compassionate towards one another. When
the entire world is shut down, showing compassion is the only way we will finally get through
this pandemic.
In the future I am proud to say that I will be going to school to pursue a degree in nursing. I am
proud to become a part of such a group of caring and hardworking individuals, who show
compassion everyday. Being a part of something bigger than myself, and something that will
always be needed is my way of giving compassion. The compassion and selflessness displayed
by nurses and doctors all across the world have inspired me in my future endeavors.
Compassion is a way for people to come together in the most basic form, and especially in
times like these, compassion is the only way to end the complete isolation that we all felt in
2020. In a time where compassion is vital, it is more important than ever to give to others in
times of sadness and need. Compassion is a never ending cycle, and only takes one act to
make someone's day. |
