[Ricky Bonar]

I think this phenomenon of being more connected through safe distance is an interesting observation. One way of looking at it is that our environment is slowly but surely shaping the way we behave; it’s changing our priorities and values. Another way of looking at it is that people are generally resilient and we are simply adapting to the current climate. I feel that people are deeply inclined to seek “normal” human interactions. We crave physical touch and communicating through personal interactions. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to be reactionary to the expectation that there is an expected rise in anxiety and depression along with other psychological disturbances as many will be unable to maintain threshold of the paradox of online communication.

[Ricky Bonar]

Hi Avery, I think you have brought up a valid point. It does seem to me as well to be a recurring theme. Remember, negative comments are usually made to self validate in order to justify a missed opportunity. Some people see it as a blessing and some will realize that they wish to have the same opportunity as you but if that is not possible the “safe” way to respond is to validate themselves by justifying the mootness of pursuing a DNP degree; and I said “safe” because it is generally frowned upon for anyone to demonstrate jealousy. Because it can be difficult to predict how people will react to my personal pursuits I have kept my admission into the DNP program to myself.

[Ricky Bonar]

A battle against the catastrophe brought forth by the pandemic is one way of looking at this. I do admit, especially during the first wave of the pandemic, a certain level of enthusiasm mixed with feelings of pride and awesomeness welled up inside me. Many a nurses have also taken the liberty to indulge in an opportunity to engage in heroism that is further magnified by the devastation left behind by the pandemic; it has been an unprecedented time in history. Sadly, when one steps back and observes only to discover the profound polarization of this new kind of patriotism. On one hand you have the perception of heroism through solidarity with science and compliance of a civilized social system, on the other hand there is also a similar perception of heroism and righteousness through acts of courage to preserve individualism and personal freedom. Strangely, what I thought is something empirical in nature; something which requires an empirical solution as in hard science has catalyzed the rupture of deep seated principles which seem poetic if not philosophical in nature.

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