Mar 25, 2020 2 min read

We live in a very “me” centered era. We can filter the news to only listen to our own point of view. We no longer have to wait. With online shopping, streaming video, grocery delivery and pickup, we have structured a society that is tailored to the individual. I’m guilty of all the above. We lead busy lives with workdays that extend beyond the 9-to-5. Our children have demanding academic and extracurricular schedules. Convenience is the quality that most families look for in any service.

As the coronavirus has made its unprecedented march across the world and stealthily entered our tiny corner of it, I’m holding my breath. Not out of fear of contracting it, but because I am afraid our me-centered generation isn’t up to the challenge.

As fear of the unknown began to grip the area I watched shelves empty. I helped friends who truly need baby wipes get some because the masses descended on the baby aisle when the paper products were gone. Me, me, me. While those more able ran to fill their bunkers, I watched an elderly man shuffle through the local grocery store and halt in amazement when he started to turn into the toilet paper aisle.

On social media, the messages are me-centric. Those deemed low risk are continuing to go about their lives as usual and complaining about the inconvenience of it all.

How we react now, in this moment, is going to be held up for review by generations to come.

Now is the time to get our heads out of our phones and take a look around. The sacrifices and changes we are being asked to make are small but make a huge impact for people other than ourselves. This one isn’t about you. Mr. Rogers famously said we need to “look for the helpers.” It is our turn to be those helpers. Generations that came before us hit pause on their lives as young adults to protect the greater good. Now they need us. Please put the toilet paper down, wash your hands, and check on an elderly neighbor.

Kayla McCormley

Houston