On the 23rd March, exactly one year after the UK was plunged into our first lockdown, one minute’s silence was held to remember all of those who lost their lives over the past year to Coronavirus. 

One year, and 115 million global cases later, there isn’t a person who hasn’t been affected by the social, economic and political instability that has epitomised the past 12 months.  

This past year has taught us many things: for some, the value of time spent with loved ones, for others, parents in particular, a newfound appreciation for schools and childcare!  

For me, a university student lucky enough to be working from home, whose loved ones have now received their first vaccine doses, this ‘anniversary’ has me looking to the future. This isn’t just about being able to go on nights out again (although they certainly have been missed), but rather how I can use the lessons I’ve learnt in the past year to better myself and my prospects. A few that come to mind are:  

• To embrace change and unpredictability – after a year of living with the fear of knowing we cannot predict what will happen next, I have been able to come to terms with this, even using it to my advantage as I enter the ever-changing and unpredictable PR industry.  
• To chase opportunities – with several adults telling me recently that the job market is the worst it’s been in years, it’s become clear to me that no opportunity will just land on my lap. We will be a generation of go-getters, I am sure!  
• To do what I enjoy – if the past year has taught us anything it’s that life will throw anything at us at any time, so why not spend our time doing what makes us happiest?  

Many in the media have pointed to the fact that governments who adopted clear and coherent guidance to the public were able to mitigate the worst effects of the virus far more effectively than those focusing on ‘unrestrained optimism’ and indecisiveness.  

Perhaps this is a lesson in itself? Is successful and decisive communication the key to a more favourable outcome? Of course, we cannot make generalisations about why some countries fared better in the battle against Coronavirus, nor can we compare the difficulties of this past year to aspects of everyday life, but this is undoubtedly food for thought – especially for those in the communications industry itself.  

For now, looking to the future and our return to ‘normality’ (whatever that may look like) should be a vision of optimism. For me, with a career in communications on the horizon, I shall be leaving the Pandemic enthusiastic for what is to come, leaving the past year firmly in my rear-view mirror.  

In this time of reflection, our thoughts and condolences are with those who have been bereaved and impacted by this pandemic.  

Photo by Pam Menegakis on Unsplash