Reflections on a 3-Month Lockdown: Personal Growth and Community Service
Over the past three months, my life underwent significant changes, both externally and internally. The lockdown has been a period of discovery, growth, and self-reflection. This article delves into the changes I've experienced, focusing on my mental state, personal development, and community service.
Mental State and Personal Development
Before the lockdown, I was a socially awkward ambivert. The isolation and confinement initially posed a challenge. However, I've gradually become more comfortable with my new, introverted self. This newfound comfort in solitude has been a valuable lesson. The lockdown allowed me to focus on myself and engage in activities that I previously had time to explore but never attempted. I discovered courses and online learning resources that I found elusive and fascinating. I picked up the basics of Spanish and am currently learning Japanese.
While I am in college, I was naively convinced that I would fail my semester exams due to the distractions and challenges of remote learning. However, I managed to stay on top of my online classes and submitted my assignments on time. Though the result may not have been what I wanted, I am confident that I will have another chance and aim to improve.
Social media has been a significant part of my life during the lockdown. I spent significant time on Instagram, and while some may view this as a waste of time, it has served as a connection to a sense of humanity during the pandemic. This platform has helped me maintain a semblance of normalcy and connection in a world that felt distant and disconnected.
Community Service and Personal Beliefs
The lockdown period also presented an opportunity for me to engage in community service. As a trained doctor, I saw a chance to contribute to the local community. With limited practical resources and access to a microscope, I began observing migrant workers for symptoms like runny nose and fever. I would follow them to local medical shops to observe the treatments being administered, which were often basic medications like Diclofenac sodium.
These individuals, who were construction workers, faced significant challenges during the lockdown. Their situations highlighted the scale of the problem and the need for better support and care. Fortunately, things have since eased, and I had the opportunity to have a direct conversation with the workers. Almost everyone in this group of 20 individuals had experienced symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 at some point. However, they are now all healthy. The key clue was a positive test from the son of the building owner, and the spread of the virus was subsequently contained.
The seroprevalance test has become the preferred method for testing the presence of the virus. If a newborn has not received the BCG vaccine until one year of age, there is no need for this vaccine. This is a significant positive development in the ongoing pandemic, offering a glimmer of hope.
Furthermore, I monitored the local COVID-19 team and noticed that an active member of the team was a peon of the education department, often seen in incomplete Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). I also assisted in maintaining social distancing in my local mosque. The spread of COVID-19 in my village was closely monitored, and I was able to identify the major events contributing to its spread.
A Strong Belief and Lessons Learned
My experience has taught me the importance of seizing opportunities and addressing problems effectively. I strongly believe that, whenever possible, one should avail the opportunity and ignore the problem. This belief has guided my actions during the lockdown and continues to shape my approach to challenges.
Overall, this lockdown period has been a period of self-discovery and community service. While it brought challenges, it also provided me with the opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to my community. As restrictions ease, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and am optimistic about the future.