Life In Lockdown: "I’ve never experienced such a global community spirit"

Sussex Student Jenny Bathurst is hoping to study journalism at the University of Brighton (Eastbourne campus).
Jenny BathurstJenny Bathurst
Jenny Bathurst

The coronavirus crisis has robbed her of the chance to sit A levels. We have asked Jenny to share her thoughts on the difficult times we are living through... Here is her latest contribution.

"As we progress further into lockdown, it appears that the light at the end of the tunnel may finally be revealing itself as Boris Johnson’s exit plan begins to alter what has been a strict but necessary set of instructions. Whereas before I have been hesitant to plan a thing post quarantine for fear of disappointment, the prospects of at least a few weeks of sunny days at the beach and spontaneous McDonalds drive-thru trips have been a welcome glimmer of hope. This proposal that an end may be in sight has certainly filled me with a sense of optimism. But I would be lying if I also said that I wasn’t fearful.

"Over the past few weeks I have frequently heard this quarantine period likened to being in your own ‘bubble’. As much as I have been keeping in contact with friends and relatives I certainly relate to this analogy, where it seems that my lack of everyday responsibilities has left me in an insular state of mind that personally, I have relished. Perhaps I am enjoying lockdown too much, and the possibility of returning to what I would consider ‘normal life’ is particularly daunting. It goes without saying, like all of us, that in the last two months I have undoubtedly had my moments of panic where the reality of such prolonged separation from my loved ones has taken its toll. Yet, the opportunities that have arisen from this situation, both personally and globally seem to paper over the cracks that form in those low moments. I don’t have to list the multiple displays of solidarity in gratitude to the NHS and other key workers in this time, but, certainly in my lifetime, I’ve never experienced such a global community spirit.

"Of course it is devastating that for such togetherness to occur there has simultaneously been loss and pain, but even simple gestures such as the Thursday evening Clap for our Carers provides me with the reassurance that this is not something I am experiencing alone despite the frequent feelings of detachment at this time. I often find that when I am confined in my own routine or ‘bubble’ I overlook the stark truth of why we are in this position of quarantine and the reality of what’s going on outside my own front door. It is so easy to forget the depth of the situation when you are not in the middle of it, and, as I have touched on in previous articles, I tend to feel selfish for enjoying this time that is so painful for others. When I reflect on the good that has emanated from this period of lockdown, I will always feel grateful for the opportunity I have had to witness the coming together and kindness of individuals and organisations to those in need. Although it may sound clichéd, the ability to draw such positives from a negative situation has been remarkable and I look forward to a time that we can reminisce on this bizarre, extraordinary year."

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