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For the past year and a half, I have been on 3 continents and visited over 10+ countries in addition to engaging with individuals from 100+ countries throughout my masters program at Hult International Business School. The moment our courses got moved online, I booked a one way flight from Boston to California with several of my classmates booking similar flights globally.
What started in Wuhan has since spread infecting over 100+ countries and impacting the lives of millions. Most recently, the stock market collapsed dropping 20% and even with an injection of 1.5 Trillion Dollars by the Fed--it is still maintaining its downward course. We are facing a global recession. It is worth noting that the issues and problems that arise are not simply the result of COVID-19 or the Coronavirus. The problems, especially in the United States, are the result of severe disinvestment in the people and the very institutions that maintain and manage public health. This virus is merely exacerbating the problems you were already facing. I want to use this opportunity to point of the failure of business and the utter lack of a social safety net for a vast majority of the population. Most Americans are one paycheck away from being on the streets. And the vast majority of student are burdened with debt and the limited job prospect make education an unattainable alternative. Our elderly lack the care they need. Hospitals, doctors, nurses, and caregivers are overburdened. But someone is profiting off of this and that is the problem I have. That 1.5 Trillion the Fed gave--who does that benefit? This system is broken. I am bitter. I am angry. But I am still hopeful. The idea of borders being closed and social distancing being practiced means that we as society still care deeply about one another. I know that within this madness and what some may view as malarkey--people still care. And that is important to remember, because the reality is COVID-19 is just a baby test and how we react to this will have huge implications for future problems. The real test is yet to come--climate change.
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