Ivy Roy

“Sometimes, it takes strife to reevaluate what you know, to learn from what’s around you. Sometimes it takes hardship to see what you take for granted, but also on what needs work. There is a sense of community now in the most paradoxical of ways, as we help each other by staying apart, working together without actually standing side by side. Together we can overcome this and the next wave, but it’s important to not be blind to what we can change.

One cannot be deemed an “essential employee” while making minimum wage. Truck drivers, store clerks, janitors, nurses, postal workers, fast food drivers are paid next to nothing yet are put under so much stress right now. Please don’t forget how hard they are working through this, how they are all putting themselves on the front lines. We must do our part for them — now by staying instead and later by working for change.

Remember which companies abused their employees. Remember which made empty gestures for profit, but also those that turned the other way to help keep their employees safe. The best way we can help each other right now is to stand apart, to help one another when we can. For example, Mom and I have found its been better to mentally act as if we have the disease and are trying not to spread it further, rather than working as if everyone else is potentially infected. We have also been able to help our neighbor get food when they need it, without actually being in contact with each other. Sometimes the thing that makes it all just a bit easier is a message from a friend. Knowing that someone, somewhere, is thinking about you. I wish the best for everyone, and I find myself actually missing class time. Hopefully when this is all over, we can look on the brighter side of all of this.”

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