I Stand Corrected…. by Ryan

I Stand Corrected…. by Ryan - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

Being open to ideas and opinions that differ from my own hasn’t ever been easy for me. When I make a decision about something, I stand firm in what I’ve decided and it’s a challenge to get me to change my mind. I’ve recently encountered a situation in which my mind was changed and admittedly, my first conclusion was likely not the best. Let me explain…..

Upon initially hearing of Covid vaccines, I gathered information from friends, family, and news sources. I drew the conclusion that covid vaccines were developed much too quickly and that they were unnecessary and unsafe. My mind was made up and I wouldn’t accept that the covid vaccines would be right for some people and I didn’t feel that the newly developed vaccines should be encouraged as a preventative measure for people to prevent them from contracting covid-19. I made the personal choice to not receive the vaccine and I was highly critical of others who chose to receive the injection. I just didn’t understand why so many people were rushing to get vaccination appointments. It made no sense to me.

My opinion on this matter shifted due to my volunteer experience at a covid-19 vaccination clinic. Through 4-H, I volunteered to assist with traffic control and patient monitoring at a large community vaccine clinic in our city. During the first 10 minutes of my volunteer shift, I observed many medical professionals celebrating with individuals as they received the injection. I saw relief on the faces of elderly individuals who hadn’t been able to see family members for several months. I noticed a shift in energy as people waited for their vaccine and then after they received their shot…..relief, gratitude, peace, safety. I saw it all. Some cried and some just quietly breathed a sigh of relief to know that they had taken a personal step towards protecting themselves and their loved ones from Covid-19. Slowly, I started to realize that even if An issue doesn’t align with my beliefs, it doesn’t mean that it’s not right for everyone. We are each entitled to law our own decision, free from judgement and guilt.

Before the covid vaccine was widely available in my community, my family lost my 38 year old cousin due to covid. He was youthful and healthy prior to becoming infected with covid. He had children and his death affected many people in our family and community. We were all heartbroken. In hindsight, even though I I totally criticized the speed in which the vaccines were developed, I sure wish that the covid vaccines had been developed a bit quicker. If the injections had only been available a bit sooner, my cousin could have received one and likely would have not succumbed to his covid infection.

I still believe that the covid vaccine may not be right for everyone, but now, I can see they are vital and life giving for most. I stand corrected!