One year ago, the UK entered its first nationwide lockdown. The anxiety and devastation continues and the future of young people remains unknown. Covid-19 has affected many, but instead of turning back, I focus on what is ahead and how that feels for the coming generations.
“Though the impact of this last year is taking a toll on us all now, it will also be something Gen-Zs will continue to live with for years ahead.”
On March 23 2020, England entered lockdown. The Prime Minister gave the people of England these drastic orders: “Stay at home, protect our NHS, and save lives”.
The mandatory instructions sent shock waves through communities as work, education, and every-day routines halted. To begin with, the harsh reality felt impossible, but now, this is the norm many hesitate to leave. Though the impact of this last year is taking a toll on us all now, it will also be something Gen-Zs will continue to live with for years ahead.
Personal Reflection and Direction
Lockdown, for me, has been a challenge, but it has also had its silver linings. It is hard to know the full extent of what this past year may mean for my future but I can tell you this. During the pandemic, I have honed in on myself. I have reflected and instigated positive change, to focus on a future beyond Covid-19 restrictions.
“With many changes and challenges faced, I can take only strength from the Covid period.”
On the weekend previous to the first lockdown, I returned home from a six-month hospital admission. After struggling with my mental health for several years, that lockdown provided me with an odd sense of security.
With many changes and challenges faced, I can take only strength from the Covid period. This September, I will move to Salford and pursue a degree in Broadcast Journalism which is something I wouldn’t have believed one year ago.
However, the reality of my next steps are probable. Will I be able to move into my University flat? Will my education be face-to-face or will remote learning continue? How will I socialise with people after a year of being by myself? Will economical inflation be unbearable?
There are an endless number of questions I and many others ask ourselves; if these anxiety’s build-up, it will see an even greater decline in student health and wellbeing.
Student Voice
“I have lost the confidence in my work that I used to have and now see myself slacking in the future.”
Speaking to 19-year-old Meghan, a first-year University student, I hear how the pandemic is affecting her and how she feels about her future.
“Since last March when the pandemic began and September joining University, I have become more reluctant to being the hardworking student I used to be.”
“As a person, I have lost the confidence in my work that I used to have and now see myself slacking in the future. I don’t know how this will affect me when we eventually return to in-person teaching and are attending classes on campus.”
“I hope that in the future, I can get back my dedication to work hard and succeed as I’m happier when I can see myself improving and succeeding.”
Supporting Mental Health Could Prevent Future Crises
“The scale of young adults struggling with mental health is a cause for concern and if not taken seriously will decline further.”
The National Union of Students carried out a survey in November 2020 about student health and the impact of Covid-19. The survey looked at the physical and mental well-being of students.
“Half of students say their mental health is worse than what it was before the Coronavirus pandemic“.
The scale of young adults struggling with mental health is a cause for concern and if not taken seriously will decline further. If the government, with help of education providers, addresses the crisis now, with adequate counselling and therapeutic support, it could help us cope better in the long run.
The Future of Government
I have every faith in the young people of our society and think that regardless of the events and decisions made in the past year, we will face future challenges head-on.
“The NHS, politics, education, and economy continue to face testing decisions, but I urge the authority to consider the future of the country as well.”
One example of such hope comes from PWC, a multinational strategy organisation which is fighting for a programme to create fairer governance in the UK. The Future of the Government Scheme claims it would build a future more inclusive for all generations, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography. The project took off towards the end of Brexit but has become even more important with the brutality of Covid-19.
The pandemic has highlighted some weaknesses in government authority which has left some industries and sectors with very little. The programme, which identifies the potential spiral of all equalities, could be an important stepping stone towards a more hopeful future. I believe, by involving the thoughts of Gen-Z now, our current leaders could help to establish the solid foundations we need for the years ahead.
“I urge those in charge to consider the future of the country as well.”
One focus of the programme is to build a sustainable future. For Gen-Z, being brought up with great technology and most recently adapting digital learning could be the start of introducing work-from-home as a new norm, expanding sectors and involving initiatives across the country; a positive thought for us to keep in mind.
The scheme is not only for those inclined to a career in politics. Quentin Cole, the leader of Industry for Government and Health Being, said, “While Covid-19 was first seen by many as a leveller, it’s clear as time has passed that it’s become a driver of division. When we look beyond the immediate challenges of the pandemic towards recovery, there’s collective recognition of the need to build back fairer to create a more equitable, greener, and sustainable future.”
The NHS, politics, education, and economy may continue to face testing decisions in the here and now, but I urge those in charge to consider the future of the country as well.
The Coronavirus pandemic has been the most significant event in recent history and is beyond the experiences that many of us have lived thus far. I hope we don’t live through anything alike again but for now, we must focus on our mental wellbeing, education, and how our actions now will shape our future.
Heather Davey
Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels. No changes were made to this image. Image license can be found here.
