How has COVID-19 changed your life?
Personally the pandemic hasn’t effected me as most. I am fortunate to still be working, and I am grateful for that opportunity. I miss social gatherings, but I fully understand pandemics do happen and all we can do now is stay home and listen to health professionals.
As a journalist, COVID-19 has impacted my work. I know there are questions that need to be answered and reported, but some professionals don’t know those answers yet. Many systematic issues, whether it’s the school, prison or health-care system, their flaws have all been magnified in this pandemic. Sometimes I do find it difficult to be in the middle of reporting, looking for information that I know will benefit people, and then realizing the solution hasn’t been created yet. The pandemic has forced me to really take care of my mind. I’m a journalist, but even I monitor my news intake. I do believe too much of the news will instill fear. Stress is a huge factor in your body’s health; therefore, I’ve chosen to find little activities that give me peace of mind; exercise, reading, cooking and most importantly going outside for a walk while remaining 6ft from people. I periodically check the news, but I’m not going to be the person staring at the TV or my phone all day checking for updates. I am happily social distancing. I could complain about not seeing family, friends or coworkers but I’m beyond grateful for the technology I have to ‘sort of’ connect with them. This pandemic has really taught us to be creative and I love it.
