She Strengthens

Finding the Silver Lining in a Pandemic

As I reflect on the current state of our world, I’m reminded of my awkward senior picture and the optimism I once exuded. While it’s easy to get bogged down in the negativity, I believe that even in the darkest times, there’s always hope to be found.

Will We Change?

The pandemic is forcing us to reevaluate how we live, work, and connect with each other. As we navigate this new reality, we’re being given the opportunity to reshape our priorities and values. Michael Weakley, a 43-year-old living in Mexico City, hopes that this crisis will lead to a new era of enlightenment, where we shed our labels and expectations and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Prioritizing Connection

Many of us are separated from loved ones, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of human connection. Jenny Wilde L’Heureux, a 44-year-old from Minnesota, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a renewed appreciation for family time and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Living in the Moment

With our social calendars empty and our lives reduced to the basics, we’re being forced to slow down and appreciate the present. Mary Ganser, a 20-year-old from Indiana, hopes that we’ll learn to prioritize relaxation and enjoyment without the distractions of our busy lives.

The Value of Social Effort

The pandemic has shown us the power of teamwork and cooperation. Lauren Glover, a 32-year-old from Tennessee, hopes that we’ll continue to work together to achieve a common goal, even after the crisis has passed.

Ripple Effects

Our actions have consequences, and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of considering how our behavior affects others. Sheri Gartner Fleck, a 41-year-old from North Dakota, hopes that we’ll learn to be more mindful of our impact on the world around us.

Saving the Planet

The pandemic has had an unexpected side effect: a reduction in pollution and waste. Sasha Pruss, a 23-year-old from Los Angeles, hopes that we’ll continue to prioritize sustainability and find ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

Altruism and Empathy

The pandemic has reminded us of our shared humanity and the importance of looking out for one another. Sarah Calloway Brown, a 41-year-old from South Africa, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a greater sense of empathy and a willingness to give back to our communities.

Fair Compensation

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of essential workers, who are keeping our communities running despite the risks. Andy Earthman, a 54-year-old from Virginia, hopes that we’ll recognize the value of these workers and provide them with fair compensation.

Systemic Change

The pandemic has exposed the flaws in our system, from healthcare to economic inequality. Maisha Z. Johnson, a 33-year-old from California, hopes that we’ll use this crisis as an opportunity to address these issues and create a more just society.

Government Assistance

The pandemic has shown us the importance of having a safety net in place. Charis Hill, a 33-year-old disability activist, hopes that we’ll expand and improve government assistance programs to support those in need.

Flexible Work Options

The pandemic has forced us to adapt and find new ways of working. Kerry Kijewski, a 36-year-old from Canada, hopes that we’ll continue to prioritize accessibility and flexibility in the workplace.

Reinventing Healthcare

The pandemic has highlighted the need for change in our healthcare system. Jeannine Hall Gailey, a 46-year-old from Washington, hopes that we’ll move towards a more accessible and patient-centered approach to healthcare.

Chronic and Invisible Illnesses

The pandemic has given us a glimpse into the lives of those with chronic and invisible illnesses. Lauren Jonik, a 43-year-old from Brooklyn, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a greater understanding and appreciation for those who live with these conditions.

Protecting Each Other

The pandemic has shown us the importance of protecting each other’s health. Amy Dimeler Lerner, a 44-year-old from Pennsylvania, hopes that we’ll continue to prioritize public health and find ways to reduce the spread of germs.

Mental Health

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of mental health. Heather Holloway McCash, a 39-year-old from Tennessee, hopes that we’ll prioritize mental wellness and provide support for those who need it.

Addiction Support

The pandemic has shown us the importance of addressing addiction. Willow Rose, a healthcare worker, hopes that we’ll continue to prioritize harm reduction and provide support for those struggling with addiction.

Healthcare as a Human Right

The pandemic has highlighted the need for universal healthcare. Greg Bartik, a 55-year-old nurse, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a greater appreciation for the importance of healthcare as a human right.

Policies and Change

The pandemic has shown us the need for change across a range of issues. Amy Roost, a 57-year-old from California, hopes that we’ll use this crisis as an opportunity to reshape policies and create a more just society.

Eliminating Discrimination

The pandemic has highlighted the need to eliminate discrimination in all its forms. Steven Sunga-Smith, a 40-year-old from Las Vegas, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a greater appreciation for the importance of equality and fairness.

Vulnerability and Worth

The pandemic has shown us that we’re all vulnerable and worthy of respect. Judy Wilson, a 69-year-old from San Francisco, hopes that we’ll emerge from this crisis with a greater sense of empathy and compassion for one another.

Community Evolution

Finally, the pandemic has shown us the importance of community and connection. Joelle Herr, a 45-year-old business owner, hopes that we’ll continue to prioritize empathy and compassion as we move forward.

As we navigate this uncertain time, I hope that these 21 perspectives will inspire us to create a better future – one that’s more just, equitable, and compassionate.