By Mariela Hollines, Fellow Class of 2018
University of Northern Colorado
The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has left the world in a very strange state. Several countries across the globe are experiencing some sort of stay-at-home or social distancing order. As each week passes practicing social distancing, I have become weirdly comfortable with things like people going out of their way to not walk too close to you or seeing people wear masks during daily activities such as grocery shopping, getting gas, and taking their dog on a walk. However, I cannot shake a sense of fear because so much is out of our control. Information circulating about the present and the future is changing day-to-day and even minute to minute.
My time at home back from college has provided me with more time than I have had in a long time. Little things from not having to walk from class to class to more time-consuming activities like having track practice canceled have given me extra time in my day to reflect on my life, including my dreams and goals.
With all this time to reflect, I have expanded my appreciation for my ability to attend college, be a part of the LSYWC program, spend quality time with my family, and more. My supportive family, mentors, and teammates have pushed me to become the independent and intelligent woman I am today. I am learning to be more intentional and use all the resources I am provided to help those who are not treated equally or not given the same opportunities due to race, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Particularly, during the COVID-19 there has been evidence that African Americans are being affected by the coronavirus at unexceptional rates in the United States. Unequal social and economic conditions for people of color and health disparities like access to health insurance all attribute to the way the COVID-19 has affected African Americans and people of color. This has made me think about how if I was a lawyer today, I would advocate for equal access to necessary resources and care through the health care system for people of color regardless of social or economic status.
Overall, I believe the opportunities and resources I have access to are going to prepare me for my future as a civil rights advocate as an attorney or perhaps a judge. Living in the moment and realizing all the support I have to help me be successful has, fortunately, eased the tension and stress of the unique situation the world is in and has kept me moving forward with my dream.
