We learned we need to learn even more

It is too easy to point fingers for the everworsening situation we are still facing going into 2021. I will never forget the people who failed us during this time. However, the more worrisome aspect of all this, to me, seems to be the failure of our educational system. For every five people I spoke to, four did not understand the basics of viruses. I don’t blame them. I include myself in the four out of five. I only understand it a bit better because I landed a job as a research assistant for a project to determine which objects the virus can be found on.

When I spoke with people, after gaining knowledge in the field, about how viruses work, their oohs and aahs were a sign of appreciation for the precautions being taken and an interest in science. It can be difficult to fully understand all of science but breaking it down to familiar concepts helps. I explained a vaccine to a plumber and an electrician using their work skills. Before, they were fearful of what the vaccines will do to their bodies. Lack of knowledge led to fear, skepticism and apathy.

It all made me realize that the failure to let people be uninformed has led to more problems than the failure of our government and its agencies. It has led to more hospitalizations, more conspiracy theories being allowed to flourish, a politicization of science and reckless behavior.

We need the knowledge of science, at least the basics, to thrive.

Rafael Baron, City Heights