I remember where I was and what I was doing, when it was in the news. I was at my volunteering shift at the hospital, and it was mealtime, I was opening a yogurt container for a patient, when one of the patients yelled
"Turn up the tv" and I proceeded to do so.
It was a news story, the whole unit stopped and stared, the patients stopped eating almost immediately.
"Good evening," said the news anchor. "Breaking news tonight, Canada has confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The case was reported in Toronto, where health officials say a man who recently traveled from Wuhan, China, has tested positive for the virus. The individual, who arrived in Canada on January 22nd, began showing symptoms shortly after his arrival and was admitted to hospital for care. Public health authorities say he is in stable condition, and they are closely monitoring others who may have been in contact with him.
This marks a significant development in the global response to the virus, which has already spread to multiple countries since it was first detected in China late last year. Health experts are urging Canadians to stay informed about the situation and follow recommended health guidelines. Authorities are also working to ensure the public's safety through heightened surveillance and precautionary measures. We'll continue to keep you updated on this developing story. Stay with us for more details as they come in."
Then, a selfish thought slithered into my mind, this means that they might need healthcare workers now more than ever. I thought, maybe this was a chance to finally get a job in health care, but just as quickly as it came the thought drifted out. It will probably blow over in the next few weeks and I was horribly wrong about that. As the weeks progressed, i overheard nurses talking about the situation more and more people were being diagnosed with Covid-19 and then the first death was announced, while I was in my car driving home from my retail job.
"-officials in British Columbia have confirmed that a man in his 80s, who had been residing in a long-term care facility in North Vancouver, passed away after testing positive for the virus. The man, who had been experiencing symptoms, is the first known fatality in the country linked to COVID-19. The death is part of a growing cluster of cases in the province, which has seen a rise in confirmed infections in recent days. Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely, as health and safety measures are being ramped up across the country." like that I turned off the radio, things were getting worse faster than I thought.
Then, the volunteer shifts changed. I was advised to wear a full gown, mask with a shield, and gloves. I had to put on this outfit every time I entered a room. Patients became more reluctant to engage in conversation with me, fearing for their own safety. My shifts began to feel like I was just sitting in a corner on my phone because no one needed company—or perhaps, no one wanted it. Eventually, I received an email canceling all volunteer shifts, and just like that, I couldn’t continue.
I then started applying for healthcare jobs, and after submitting 368 applications, I finally got a call for an interview to be a COVID-19 screener. The dream was so close to becoming a reality. Little did I know, I would be asking the same questions to nearly 40 people a day and making sure that visitors were signing in. Then, a nurse helped me get a job on her unit, and just like that, I was in the position I had been trained for. I wore a mask, and as soon as someone heard me blow my nose, I was sent home. It changed the way I worked. I quickly learned that if you complained about something minor, like having a headache or coughing, you were sent home immediately. I got COVID-19 five times, even after receiving the vaccine.
Now, the world has changed. We’ve learned that we can work from home. I moved to a different position in healthcare where I can work remotely. More and more office spaces became empty as people were allowed to work from home. The way people travel has shifted too—flights to exotic destinations like Costa Rica, Mexico, and Europe became trendy. "Work-from-anywhere" jobs are on the rise. The world, as we knew it, has changed. Nothing is the same anymore. Inflation rose rapidly after factory shutdowns, causing delays in production. Construction fell behind, and the demand for goods grew with no way to meet it. The shortage of toilet paper became a real issue.
Now, our world will never be the same because of that one news story that changed our lives forever.
About the Creator
Ada Zuba
Hi everyone! here to write and when I’m not writing, I’m either looking for Wi-Fi or avoiding real-world responsibilities. Follow along for a mix of sarcasm, random observations, and whatever nonsense comes to mind. "We're all mad here"
Make-up is a Scam
Make-up can make someone average feel beautiful, make-up can change the way we look and the way we feel about ourselves. This post may seem hypocritical because I use make-up on special occasions and sometimes to work. I have used make-up on my wedding and even had fake eyelashes and the whole nine yards. However, I think we can also recognize that make-up is no friend to our skin. Think about the chemicals that are in that bottle of foundation:
By Ada ZubaExclusive • about a year ago
Quote of the Day by Plato: “Do Not Train a Child to Learn by Force or Harshness, but Direct Them to It by What…”
Education has always been at the heart of societal progress, but few thinkers have captured its essence as eloquently as the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Among his many reflections, one quote stands out for its profound insight into human development: "Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each." This quote, though centuries old, resonates as strongly today as it did in Plato’s time, offering guidance not just for parents and teachers but for anyone invested in nurturing human potential. The Philosophy Behind the Words Plato’s approach to education emphasizes guidance over coercion. He suggests that learning should never be imposed through fear, pressure, or punishment. Instead, children should be gently guided toward knowledge by appealing to their natural curiosity and interests. By doing so, their unique talents and inclinations—the “peculiar bent of the genius”—can be discovered and nurtured. This philosophy underscores a timeless truth: motivation driven by interest and joy is far more effective than learning through force. Modern psychology and educational research support this view. Studies consistently show that intrinsic motivation—when a student learns because they are genuinely interested—leads to deeper understanding, better retention, and long-term engagement. Application in Modern Education In classrooms around the world, educators are increasingly moving away from rigid, standardized approaches to teaching. Traditional methods that prioritize rote memorization and high-stakes testing often fail to engage students meaningfully. Plato’s wisdom reminds us that education should adapt to the learner, not the other way around. For instance, project-based learning, experiential activities, and creative assignments all reflect Plato’s principle of learning through engagement and curiosity. By allowing students to explore topics they are passionate about, teachers can uncover hidden talents and foster a love for learning that persists beyond the classroom. Parenting and Child Development Plato’s advice is equally relevant in the home. Parents often face the challenge of encouraging their children to learn and develop skills while avoiding the trap of overbearing control. When children are forced into activities they dislike or pressured excessively, they may develop resistance, anxiety, or a negative attitude toward learning. By contrast, guiding children toward learning experiences that intrigue and excite them can produce remarkable outcomes. For example, a child fascinated by building blocks might develop early skills in engineering or architecture, while a young reader drawn to storytelling might cultivate literary creativity. Parents who observe, nurture, and gently direct their children’s interests are more likely to see them flourish in their unique ways. The Broader Implications for Society Plato’s insight is not only about individual growth but also about the kind of society we wish to build. A culture that values curiosity, creativity, and the discovery of personal talents produces citizens who are more innovative, empathetic, and adaptable. Societies that impose rigid norms and punish deviation risk stifling potential and discouraging independent thought. By fostering environments—both in schools and at home—where learning is guided by curiosity rather than force, communities can cultivate the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. Plato’s words remind us that education is not just the transmission of knowledge but a process of uncovering the unique gifts within each individual. Practical Steps for Applying Plato’s Wisdom Encourage exploration: Allow children to explore multiple subjects and activities without judgment or pressure. Observe and listen: Pay attention to what excites them, and notice where their skills naturally shine. Make learning engaging: Use games, stories, experiments, and hands-on projects to make education enjoyable. Celebrate effort, not just results: Recognize curiosity, persistence, and creativity as much as grades or achievements. Be patient and flexible: Understand that learning is a journey, not a race, and each child progresses at their own pace. Conclusion Plato’s timeless advice reminds us that the heart of education lies not in coercion, but in inspiration. Children, when guided by curiosity and joy, reveal their natural abilities and develop a lifelong love of learning. His words continue to challenge educators, parents, and policymakers to rethink rigid systems and focus instead on nurturing the genius within each child. In a world increasingly driven by metrics, exams, and performance, Plato’s wisdom offers a gentle, yet profound reminder: the true measure of education is not how much we force children to learn, but how effectively we guide them to discover, explore, and grow in ways that resonate with their unique potential.
By Fiazahmedbrohi about 11 hours ago in The Swamp
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