At the same time, many countries adopted sweeping measures to stem the spread of the virus, including full lockdowns, shutting down airports and imposing travel restrictions. The borders closed all around us, like an intensification of the nearly three-year Qatari blockade by its neighboring countries. Would we be able to jump back on the merry-go-round or was it best that we stay rooted where we were? Qatarwanted itscitizens to remainoptimistic. SheikhaHind, ViceChairperson and CEO of QF, reminded us that “no challenge is so bold as to put education on hold.” We maintained our focus to ensure a quality learning experience for our students. Meanwhile, friends around the world changed their Facebook photo frames: Stay home - It could save lives . Yet can a Facebook frame actually implement change? The concept of activism to slacktivism, ironically, is a theme my students are digging into right now. On 19 March, the US Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory - Do Not Travel. Waves of panic surround us and conspiracy theories abound. The merry-go-round is fearful to play its music and start rotating again. With good intentions, the US Embassy in Doha sends a daily email with the latest health, travel and consular information. Yet this pushes the big question of whether to stay or go? We were reminded again and again to not be a part of the frenzy of sensationalism yet the Department of State continues to flood my social media with this message: American citizens – now is not the time for an international adventure. Stay home, and stay safe. An international adventure is my lifestyle, my life choice. Qatar is where I call home and I stay safe. This time is full of mixed messages which is why the merry-go-round continues to speed up and then slow down, unable to maintain a comfortable pace. Thus far, 2020 has been relentless. The New York Times states, “There is collective anxiety surrounding Covid-19, and there’s also collective loss.” 14 The United Nations (UN) calls the coronavirus a “threat to the whole of humanity.” 15 I dream that one day we will jump back on the merry-go-round and wave our arms up in the air like we just don’t care. 14 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/well/family/coronavirus-grief-loss.html 15 https://www.un.org
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