This is taken from “Riding the Third Wave,” which looks at adoptees currently living in Korea and the effect of Korea’s social distancing level 2.5 on their professional and social lives.
2020 has simultaneously felt 20 years long but also 20 seconds short. It seems like I was just hearing about what would soon be referred to as one of the most dangerous global viruses in history. I remember sitting in cafes and meeting friends, enjoying “time off” since schools and businesses were closed due to the growing number of infected cases in Korea. It wasn’t long after that when I realized the virus was quite dangerous and wearing masks and monitoring where I went and who I met would be a daily requirement. At first, it was inconvenient and a bit annoying, but wrapping up the year, I’m so unbelievably grateful at how serious the Korean government took the whole situation and enforced social distancing and other health safety measures early on. I was bewildered when I heard other countries were fully against the idea of trying to protect their communities just for their own comfort and convenience.
For me, personally, the virus was something I just had to get used to. I kept thinking it would be something that would disappear pretty quickly, and that it was just another annoying occurrence of the year, but it has continued and doesn’t seem to have a clear ending. My year started off with quite a celebration. I had finally gotten my dual-citizenship, after miles and miles of paperwork, so I was really looking forward to a great year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 was not the only negative part of my life this year, but it remains to be the longest enduring part. Luckily, I was not affected by losing any financial security due to the virus; in fact, I had several offers throughout the year, but that’s for another story.
I know many who were very negatively affected this year because of the virus and my heart goes out to them. I am sending nothing but good vibes and blessings to them and everyone else in the coming year because if nothing else was learned this year, it was to be grateful for what we have and to not take anything or anyone for granted. Let’s get through this mess!
