In the face of the current coronavirus health situation around the world, BASIS International Schools students have impressed us all with their resilience, work ethic, and optimism. Despite being stuck indoors for much of the time, our students are still actively looking at the world around them, and being very perceptive and reflective about the changes that are happening daily. One of our 7th grade students from BASIS International School Hangzhou shared these thoughts about keeping this situation in perspective, as well as how we can all do our part to help during this time.

Change of Plans

My plan for my first Spring Festival holiday as a student at BASIS International School Hangzhou was to have a good rest. However, those plans changed because the outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus suddenly appeared in a way that no one could have predicted.

Tropical island trip, beach sunbathing, New Year’s reunion dinner–all kinds of plans were thwarted. Due to the national emergency prevention and containment of the epidemic, traffic shuttered, we really could only stay home to wait out the epidemic. One month later, everyone is a little bored.

My parents have been especially busy cleaning the house–every room needs disinfection; busy preparing three meals every day and taking care of me and my brother. I can’t go anywhere, but I got to spend more time with my family.

Every morning when I wake up, I’m eager to see the change in the number of confirmed coronavirus infections, discuss it with my family, and share all the information I have learned. Because of the epidemic, people are vulnerable. Regardless of the complexity of human nature, social systems, government management, hospitals have undergone an extremely severe test.

coronavirus art

Student artwork paying tribute to medical professionals.

In the face of such a major public emergency, I am neither one of the decision makers nor looking at it from a distance. I would like to talk about my point of view from where I stand.

Keeping Perspective

First of all, throughout history, looking at China and the world, any epidemic that didn’t have any specific cure was controlled by complete geographical isolation. Think of the bubonic plague that haunted Europe in the Medieval time, the leprosy and typhoid fever that once raged in China–all of which were eventually contained at a heavy cost. Today, medical conditions and economic foundations are much better, so we do not need to make such a tragic sacrifice. As such, we should understand, support and cooperate with the government’s policy of self-quarantine. Especially during the Spring Festival holiday, the huge migration of the population would bring unimaginable consequences. So, we must put aside the desire to go out for the greater good.

Secondly, when the epidemic comes, we should try our best to keep calm, learn more about relevant medical knowledge, and look at the news (especially those from tabloids or social media) with a critical attitude, so as to understand, analyze and then make our own judgment. We should not believe or spread rumors, and try to support our family and friends, especially elderly family members, as much as possible.

Thirdly, we must not complain about how our lives have been affected or that there is less entertainment. Think about the medical workers who are fighting on the front-lines in Wuhan, and the policemen and community workers who are on duty 24 hours a day in the cold of the Spring Festival! They are also other people’s children or parents. We may not be as close as brothers and sisters, but there is no reason not to do our own share of duty! Everyone should try their best to stay home and not add more stress to an already troubling situation.

Personal Application

On the other hand, during this period, I personally gained a lot. I assisted with donation of medical supplies, enjoyed being with my family, developed an optimistic mindset, and understood some hardships in life, and cultivated resilience.

When we shout out words like “Though miles apart, we are under the same sky” or “Come on Wuhan! Come on China!” what is more important is that I, we, reflect on the situation and think about how we can help!

Lily Z. is a 7th grade student at BASIS International School Hangzhou. This is her first year attending BASIS International School Hangzhou.

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