As we reach the end of February 2025, it is crucial to reflect on the past five years—a span marked by extreme upheaval, socio-economic strife, and a global pandemic that reshaped society in profound ways. The emergence of COVID-19 in March 2020 sent shockwaves across the world. Initially, no one could predict the lasting effects this virus would have on daily life, the economy, and the very fabric of societal norms.

COVID-19 triggered immediate and widespread job losses. Millions of workers were laid off or furloughed as businesses shut down to contain the virus’s spread. Many low-wage employees, especially in service industries, found themselves suddenly without any income. In stark contrast, higher-income individuals often had the means to transition to remote work. However, this shift presented its challenges. For numerous office workers, the realities of working from home meant being confined to small apartments that lacked proper ergonomics. Many described their home office setups as feeling like prison cells, exacerbated by the mandatory social distancing measures that limited outdoor interactions. The mental strain of isolation, combined with the physical discomfort of makeshift workspaces, contributed to stress and anxiety on a massive scale.

As the pandemic raged on, the origins of COVID-19 remained a mystery. Scientists and researchers raced to understand how this virus emerged and spread so rapidly, yet, as of today, definitive answers remain elusive. This uncertainty has only fueled distrust and speculation, complicating public health efforts and response strategies.

In response to the economic fallout, governments implemented relief programs aimed at providing temporary support. The Trump administration introduced various stimulus initiatives that provided direct payments and expanded unemployment benefits to millions of Americans. While these measures helped many families stave off immediate financial ruin, they also highlighted systemic economic disparities and raised difficult questions about long-term solutions for economic equity.

Throughout this period, the divide between the wealthy and the lower-income population grew more pronounced. Wealthier individuals not only maintained their jobs but often thrived, while workers in lower-wage sectors encountered significant barriers to re-employment. As the economy began to reopen, many of these workers resisted returning to low-paying jobs, sparking debates that labeled them lazy or greedy. However, this narrative oversimplified the complex reality of their situations, as many individuals sought better working conditions and fair compensation.

Political mobilization accelerated during these years. Social justice movements gained traction, advocating for economic reforms, equitable healthcare access, and improved labor rights. The pandemic served as a catalyst for heightened awareness around these issues, leading to protests and calls for systemic change. People began to realize that many of the pre-existing cracks in society—such as income inequality and lack of access to healthcare—had been further widened by COVID-19.

As President Biden took office in January 2021, the hope for a return to normalcy was palpable. However, the desire to return to “normal” proved problematic. Ongoing issues such as rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the lingering impact of the pandemic complicated recovery efforts. At the same time, international tensions simmered, particularly in the Middle East. The conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified, leading to renewed discussions about the U.S. role in international affairs and the broader implications for global stability.

Former President Trump, who returned to the political stage after being re-elected on November 5, 2024, came into office on January 20, 2025. His populist agenda reignited divisions in American society. Trump’s administration sought to place blame for Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine on Ukraine itself, rather than acknowledging Russia’s clear role in the conflict that began on February 24, 2022. Furthermore, his controversial proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza to create a beachfront resort revealed a concerning disregard for human rights and the deeply-rooted complexities of international conflict.

Trump’s appointment of an anti-vaccine advocate to head the Department of Health and Human Services raised alarms about public health policy in a nation still grappling with pandemic recovery. The dismissal of 1,000 CDC researchers further jeopardized crucial public health infrastructure and threatened progress against future health crises.

As we look back on this tumultuous period, it is clear that America faces an urgent reckoning with the realities of economic inequity, political division, and global conflicts. The desire for a swift return to stability must yield to a more thoughtful examination of systemic injustices that have been brought to the forefront by the pandemic. The past five years have underscored the necessity for critical dialogue and a commitment to social and economic reform, ensuring that the lessons learned guide us toward a more equitable and just future.