Topic for Apr.1 (Tue)

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5 Ways the Pandemic Changed Us — For Good, For Bad, and Forever

Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact continues to shape our lives in lasting and profound ways. Dr. Kurt Papenfus, a rural Colorado physician who cared for COVID patients before becoming one himself, recalls his own fight for survival and the brain fog that still lingers. He praises the rapid scientific progress made during the pandemic, but also emphasizes the personal lesson: taking care of oneself is essential to care for others.

1. Remote Life Became Normalized
Video calls, once rare and even awkward, became a central part of daily life. Platforms like Zoom allowed work, education, and justice systems to continue. Beth Hendrix from the League of Women Voters highlighted how remote conferencing made statewide participation more inclusive. Similarly, Boulder County’s DA noted how virtual courts allowed vulnerable victims to safely attend hearings, increasing access to justice.

2. Pandemic Pets Built New Communities
During lockdowns, pet adoptions surged. Grace Markley of Denver adopted a bernedoodle and met neighbors who did the same. Their dogs brought them together in outdoor gatherings and created a close-knit group known as “Doodlefest.” These pandemic-born social ties became a lasting source of joy and connection, reminding us that even during isolation, new bonds could form.

3. Health Inequities and Vaccine Gaps Were Exposed
COVID-19 shined a harsh light on systemic health inequities. Julissa Soto, a health equity advocate, led vaccine campaigns targeting underserved Latino communities across Colorado. Though she helped vaccinate around 60,000 people, vaccination rates among Latinos remained low—just under 50%. This disparity revealed long-standing gaps in public health access and trust. As of the 2024–2025 season, updated vaccine uptake was under 25% among Colorado adults, underscoring ongoing challenges.

4. The Education System Was Disrupted
The pandemic also changed how children learn. Melanie Potyondy, a school psychologist, observed a noticeable decline in student resilience. Many students are now quicker to give up and less capable of handling interpersonal challenges, often relying on technology to avoid discomfort. While some schools are experimenting with cellphone bans, educators are still grappling with how to rebuild emotional strength and learning habits in the post-pandemic generation.

5. Long COVID Is Here to Stay
For survivors like Clarence Troutman, long COVID has brought lasting health effects. After being hospitalized for two months, he retired due to fatigue, brain fog, and limited lung function. Though some symptoms have improved, others remain. However, Troutman found strength in recovery, support groups, and renewed family bonds. His journey reflects the enduring human capacity for adaptation, growth, and resilience.

From digital transformation to personal reinvention, the pandemic reshaped our world. It exposed systemic flaws, built unexpected communities, and challenged our emotional and physical endurance. Its effects—both painful and hopeful—are a reminder that even in crisis, change can bring lasting lessons.

[Sources: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/19/nx-s1-5332116/pandemic-covid-5-year-anniversary-vaccines-dogs-brain-fog]