Does China Reign Supreme?

 With a race to find the most effective vaccine for the global population, countries are cracking down on the plausible benefits that could attribute to doing so. For this prompt, the scenario that China distributes the most applicable inoculation than the rest of the world is processed. China has made quick advancements with the production of a viable vaccine after completing research in the laboratories of Beijing. However, the United States and China are fighting for the top spot, as if it's the race for the moon landing. After signing a trade agreement with China to help aid tensions during an election year, Trump is reportedly accusing Beijing of mishandling the coronavirus. Trump has also threatened to cut funding for the World Health Organization for being too "China-centric.' With such an indifference between two flourishing countries, what could this mean for the second-ranked in vaccination production? If China promotes the first effective dosage, will it "share" with the western globe? It has been reported that China is promoting vaccines to win users in Asia and Africa. Countries like Bangladesh and the Philippines have pledged billions for the usage of this Chinese vaccination. There is also a pledge to early shipment of masks and ventilators around the world. Would China share with the United States after the pulling tension? Or will America reign supreme in this race?

The Media's Response

 As the date for Election Day becomes closer, the most popular news anchors start shifting their focus to the debates. Donald J. Trump, contracting Covid-19 himself, tells the country not to be scared of the virus. However, the media bashes him under the assumption that he's telling the population to not submit to safety guidelines. Joe Biden presents an 18-month lockdown if he wins the election, though, with the circulation and production of 6 available vaccinations, this lockdown may not be necessary. For a moment, it felt like the pandemic had graciously subsided, yet that doesn't seem to be the factor. When the presidential and senate campaigns aren't on, which is practically always, there seems to be little talk of Covid-19. This year is a very unpredictable time in America, not just the pandemic, but the media is covering topics of little importance. With so much hate that's been piling in 2020, this presidential election could revive some of it. I hope the future is much brighter than what it is at the moment. I hope whoever is reading this gets to have an actual life that isn't chained to a mask. 

Covid Vaccines and Global Cooperation

     As Covid-19 is still thriving throughout the world, the proposal of a plausible vaccine is formulating in the medical industry. The largest pharmaceutical vaccine producer, Serum Institute, is working towards a functioning form of immunization. However, the process of producing and distributing the vaccine is challenging. From proper incubation of the medicine, the actual cost and excessive demand, to the general effectiveness of the vaccine, intricate drawbacks filter into the process. Living in a modern, money-craving society, will the coronavirus vaccination be perfected for efficacy, or will it be rushed to meet the undying needs of the public?

     In an address to the problems that are circulating, the main factor is the proper shipment of the medicine. Serum Institute, located in India, is the largest immunization manufacturer for the world's population. Vaccinations are mainly composed of weakened strands of a virus or bacteria. To keep the strands active, they must be stored and transported at frigid temperatures. In the developmental stages, Covid-19 vaccines need preserving at -80 degrees Celsius, or -112 degrees Fahrenheit. For appropriate shipment, glass vials must withstand the frozen temps. Trucks, planes, and warehouses also need to be of beneficial temperature for storage. However, there is a vast shortage of carbon dioxide to compose into dry ice. With a higher demand for vaccines, the supply to make and transport the needed materials is scarce. 

     As the demand for vaccinations is increasing, pharmaceutical companies are striving to make the most-effective vaccine. Based on "Find a Vaccine. Next: Produce 300 Million Vials of It." from the New York Times, more than two dozen different companies have already proposed immunization programs to develop a vaccine. With a shortage of materials, countries are shutting down their exports regarding their people. Amidst a pandemic, "at least 69 countries have banned or restricted the export of medical devices, medicines, and protective equipment," the article also reads. Through competitive business and a "rush" to hit the market, will the vaccine be effective? According to the Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, the phase 1 trial introduced 36 safe vaccines. However, the number reduced to 6 in the "limited" phase, approved for limited usage. The effectiveness of a poorly tested vaccine is risky for the public due to activating problems within an individual. Vaccines, if not tested properly, can cause seizures, paralyzing, or other severe ailments. When the country is desperately in need of a solution, sometimes the risk outweighs the possibilities. 

     When receiving your vaccine, whether it be the coronavirus or influenza, be thankful to be able to receive it and for the obstacles that many foreign companies have had to overcome to help ensure quality health and overall wellbeing. 

The Effort to Stay on Campus

 To account for the thousands of students that are currently residing at the University of Kentucky for the fall 2020 semester, several organizations have moved their events to an online format. The campus is still vibrant with life as we begin October and, hopes of finishing the semester are looking fortunate. Community Gatherings with LLPS (Living Learning Programs), college tours/information, and classes are held through Zoom, a commodity that has become a way of life for multitudes of individuals. 

Poster depicting a Virtual Paint Night hosted through Zoom, standing outside of White Hall

Posters standing outside of the William T. Library about a GYT Testing Clinic, application for an organization, and Zoom inspired Bingo night.

The initiative that the university continues to keep intact to ensure the safety of the current students. Recently, it was regarded that all current students had to get a mandatory flu shot to help detour the spread of Covid-19. A statement was also released confirming that all returning students had to receive another covid test before stepping back on campus. It may seem dreadful, but the idea of potentially deferring the spread of the coronavirus is motivation to proceed through the testing. However, this semester turns out I am grateful for the time that I got to experience my first year. 

Is Covid-19 opening opportunities?

Covid-19 has been a devastating shock to today's world in many different aspects. However, to thrive in a horrible situation, one must search for the positives in everything. For myself, On October 5th, 2020, I was able to take an in-person tour of the University of Kentucky's College of Dentistry. I have always wanted to work in the dental occupation field, and this tour opened an opportunity to venture into my future. Through this tour, I was able to meet with current students and ask questions about the college and how they cope with the graduate school during a pandemic. The replies from the students were all the same. A young woman told me that there is no time to have an off-campus job due to the increased workload from the college of dentistry. Contradicting these setbacks, many of the students are enjoying their time with lab studies and practice techniques on models. At the end of this tour, the undergraduate students were able to partake in a "surgical" procedure known as cavity drilling. This exercise allowed me to physically get involved in what I have been interested in doing. Even though Covid-19 is currently under wraps, the university was very thoughtful to have allowed this tour to take place and for undergraduate freshmen to get invested in their future careers.

Online Education - Covid Edition

Throughout my 14 years of schooling, my freshman year is the most interesting. Due to adaptations for Covid-19, the majority of classes are completed in an online format via Zoom. Some may think this is a great thing, as students tend to get extra sleep and more study time. However, for the students that are heavily reliant on work studies or off-campus jobs, COVID takes an impact on financial wellbeing. With heavy course loads being online, students are having a difficult time reviewing and submitting assignments due to a lack of available time. Some students may have to physically care for family members affected by Covid-19 or have to pay for their schooling by working a part-time job. An equal opportunity for education should be granted to the individuals that have to embark on these silent journies. Clauses such as pass/fail classes should be enacted to place less stress on these students. This grading system removes the weighted grade of assignments and allows the student to be more knowledgeable and confident in class. Structures that have this curriculum will potentially boost overall performance and give challenged students a better chance to succeed in their future. In itself, the online class format has been showcasing problems further into the school year. Based on my experience, I feel as if I have not learned any monumental information that is highly retainable. With the unrequired attendance in many of my Zoom meetings, I have missed class to finish homework that I procrastinated. The action of submitting assignments on Canvas has become a consistent manner that has now formed as a habit. I feel less interactive than I usually was in high school. College is the second foundation that will help launch me into a competitive career field. However, the assignment work that I have become accustomed to in recent weeks will not get me very far. If this pandemic continues to peak for the years to come, or the time that I will be able to apply for a job in the medical field, the chances of me obtaining a competitive job are slim. Although with the setback of Covid-19, life will eventually return to normalcy. On behalf of all students that are currently devastated by this pandemic, we all hope that in-person classes return soon- because our futures rely on it.