Since the start of President Joe Biden’s campaign to “build American back better,” he has continually expressed a strong aspiration for putting an end to COVID-19. In his address to the nation on Mar. 11, 2021, commemorating the last year of the virus, Biden proposed that all American adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1, 2021.

Having taken the lives of over 2.63 million worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most devastating events of the 21st century. People everywhere have had to make momentous life adjustments through social distancing practices, causing a drastic decrease of normal human interaction and loss of so many aspects of life as we know it, as well as a loss of loved ones. Looking back on the past year, there is tremendous devastation, but also an ambition and appreciation for an expectantly brighter future.

“A year filled with the loss of life and loss of living for all of us,” said Biden, in his address. “But in the loss, we saw how much there was to gain.”

Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was administered on Dec. 14, 2020, there has been non-stop production and distribution of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as the newly added third vaccination option through Johnson & Johnson. Things are looking up for Americans; as of Mar. 12, 2021, an average of around 2.3 million vaccines are being distributed in the U.S. each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This translates to roughly 19.3% of the total U.S. population currently vaccinated. 

“I’m announcing that I will direct all states and territories to make all adults, people eighteen and over, eligible to be vaccinated no later than May 1,” said Biden.

Biden’s hefty proposal is almost unbelievable for many Americans, but also ignites hope that the end of the pandemic is in sight. 

Being an influential school presence, LHS English teacher, Aubrey Windish has had a strong commitment to social distancing practices throughout the pandemic and looks forward to the day the world is rid of COVID-19.

“Once the majority of people are vaccinated, I feel that we will truly be able to get back to normal,” said Windish. “I think it is absolutely an essential part of ending this pandemic.”

Windish plans to get her second dose of the vaccine on Mar. 18, 2021. Her resilience and patience are the epitome of Biden’s goal for Americans: putting in the work now to achieve a better future. Hopefully, with further implications of the three vaccines, we can not only follow through with Biden’s intent, but return the U.S. to a full state of normalcy.