With all of the negative news surrounding COVID-19, there is also a fair amount of positive news that one can take away from the last year and a half. Much of it has to do with the actions of today’s younger generations, be it the Millennials or Generations Y and Z. Youth in past generations had to overcome the consequences of global depression and the horrific impacts of fighting in two world wars. Today’s generations have been placed in a similar position.
Today, the battles such as those against a global pandemic are just as challenging. Nevertheless, younger people have emerged to take leadership in tackling this disease in scientific, health care and front line services. Take their evident participation in contributing the scientific research surrounding the incredible development of mRNA vaccines such as Moderna and Pfizer. The speedy delivery of COVID vaccines is anything but miraculous. College, secondary and primary students have had to adjust to a relatively new teaching environment involving the use of innovative technologies, including those involving on-line learning and virtual communication. No easy task! Young people and their families have been asked to pay a heavy price, but for the most part they have shown great resilience and commitment.
On a personal note, I was greatly impressed by the participation of many young health care practitioners and volunteers at a local community COVID vaccination clinic. Working around the clock and having to continuously wear personal protective equipment, these young people helped to provide an efficient, speedy and convenient service to the community, all the while doing so in a polite and caring manner. Then there are those thousands working in hospitals who have had to deal with the tragic loss of life due to COVID, often where patients have been completely isolated from their families and friends. We owe these courageous people a whole lot of thanks and appreciation.
At the above vaccination clinic, I also noticed a good many young people who had agreed to be vaccinated against this terrible disease. There has been a lot of talk about the hesitancy factor as it pertains to younger people. However, from what I’ve seen so far, the majority of young Canadians have stepped forward to aid in the fight against this disease, and in particular to prevent the further spread of the so-called Delta variant. Given relevant and reliable information, I am certain that today’s youth will continue to play their important role in bringing an end to the pandemic in their communities, and in the country at large. Rather than dwelling on the negative commentary on social media and elsewhere, we should be expressing our appreciation for their positive contributions to combating COVID. To the younger generations, I send out a big ‘thank you’ for the critical roles that you are playing.
FROLITICKS 