Hey, I’m Arushi from Texas. In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, I thought now would be a good time to reflect on how the world has dealt with major outbreaks in the past using scientific innovation and new technologies.

Throughout history, humanity has dealt with a lot. One of the most distinct being smallpox. Smallpox became especially prevalent starting in the 1600s due to exploration and colonization. A CDC statistic states that three out of every 10 people who contracted smallpox died. John Fewster came to the realization that if a person recovered from cowpox, they were immune to smallpox. Edward Jenner, an English physician, hypothesized that people were protected from smallpox due to the pus they developed in their blisters from cowpox. Upon testing, he developed the smallpox vaccine. In 1959, the WHO started a global smallpox eradication program. The effort was successful and the rest is history.

With today’s COVID-19 crisis, humanity must remember to do one thing. Look to the past for inspiration, and to the future for change. In the past innovation has brought change and in the future, it will too. Look back at the world’s most horrible crises. Is it dawdling that solves problems? No, it is tenacity and willingness to explore in fields of science and use modern technology to it’s fullest potential.

So as we sit at home, waiting for this all to end, we must go out of our comfort zones and strive for a change. Change doesn’t have to be huge. Do what you can to make the world a better place. Even just a little bit goes a long way.

Here are some ideas:
– Stay at home (it makes a difference, I promise)
– Do what you can to spread some kindness
– Use this time to reflect and then adjust your lifestyle
– Teach yourself something fascinating
– Start working towards a long term goal
– Question: What would I do to slow the spread?

Take care,
Arushi Singh
Texas Junior Ambassador

thinksteam