Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
When the world came to a screeching halt in 2020, it felt as though we were entering a new chapter in human history. Overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed global systems, exposed vulnerabilities, and forced us into a collective reckoning. Businesses shuttered, borders closed, and humanity united under the shared anxiety of an invisible enemy. For a moment, it seemed possible that the crisis would usher in profound transformation. Yet, nearly five years later, as the dust has settled and life has adjusted to a new normal, a gnawing question emerges: What did we truly learn from the pandemic, and what did we fail to grasp?
The illusion of preparedness
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the pandemic should have been our unpreparedness for global crises despite clear warnings. COVID-19 wasn’t the first virus to sound an alarm. From SARS to H1N1, the potential for a pandemic was well-documented. Yet, when disaster struck, governments scrambled. Public health systems were overwhelmed, and the response often seemed reactive rather than proactive. Tragically, many nations returned to pre-COVID complacency instead of implementing lasting systems to combat future pandemics. Research budgets were slashed, supply chains remained fragile, and the lessons learned appear more like fleeting memories than enduring strategies.
Inequality remains unchecked
The pandemic starkly exposed disparities in wealth, healthcare access, and education, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities. People of color, low-income workers, and women bore the brunt of the virus’s impact, both physically and economically. Essential workers hailed as heroes faced grueling conditions with little to no increase in wages or job security. Once lockdowns eased and applause for these workers faded, systemic inequities persisted, suggesting a collective failure to address root causes. Instead of reforming broken systems, we moved on, leaving millions to fend for themselves in an unchanged world.
Mental health is still stigmatized
If one aspect of the pandemic impacted everyone, it was the toll on mental health. Isolation, grief, and fear became universal experiences. Mental health professionals were quick to highlight the pandemic’s emotional fallout, urging more significant investment in counseling services and support systems. Briefly, it seemed as though mental health was being taken seriously. Yet, even as anxiety and depression rates soared, systemic change has been minimal. Insurance coverage for therapy remains inadequate, workplace cultures still stigmatize mental health struggles, and mental health remains an afterthought in public policy.
Climate lessons ignored
As lockdowns reduced human activity, the earth exhaled. Skies cleared, pollution levels plummeted, and wildlife returned to areas long dominated by human activity. The pandemic offered a rare glimpse into the environmental benefits of reduced consumption. Yet, instead of acting decisively to combat climate change, emissions have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Governments, eager to reboot economies, returned to policies prioritizing growth over sustainability. We missed the chance to adopt greener lifestyles and implement systemic environmental reforms that could have protected future generations.
The fragility of truth
Another glaring lesson of the pandemic was the power and peril of information. As misinformation and conspiracy theories spread like wildfire, public trust in science and government wavered. The pandemic revealed how susceptible we are to echo chambers, how polarizing misinformation can become, and how dangerous it is when truth becomes relative. While platforms and governments introduced measures to counter fake news, the fight for truth remains ongoing. Have we adequately addressed the fragility of reality in an age of algorithms? The answer seems bleak.
The cost of neglected education
One of the most profound yet understated impacts of the pandemic was on education. Millions of students experienced prolonged school closures, technological inequities, and disrupted learning schedules. While educators innovated with online learning, many children were left behind, especially in low-income and rural areas. The ripple effects of this educational gap will be felt for years, impacting career readiness, economic stability, and even mental health. Post-pandemic efforts to bridge these gaps have been slow and uneven, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
The erosion of community resilience
Communities rallied impressively during the early stages of the pandemic, organizing mutual aid groups, delivering groceries, and checking in on neighbors. However, as time wore on, collective resilience waned. The pandemic revealed both the strength and fragility of communal bonds, showing how overreliance on individualism can erode long-term solidarity. The need to cultivate enduring, resilient communities is a lesson still waiting to be embraced, requiring sustained investment in local resources, volunteer networks, and inclusive planning.
What about connection?
Ironically, during a time when the world was connected by shared hardship, many individuals felt lonelier than ever. Technology enabled virtual communication, allowing us to work from home, attend Zoom funerals, and connect across distances. Yet, these connections often felt hollow compared to the vibrancy of in-person interactions. The pandemic underscored the human need for authentic connection, yet post-pandemic life seems busier and more fragmented than ever. We hurriedly re-entered the rat race, forgetting the stillness and reflections of those quarantine days.
How can we move forward from the pandemic?
The lessons we failed to learn from the pandemic don’t need to be permanently lost. There is still time to:
Prioritize health systems: Governments must commit to building resilient healthcare systems, with investments in staff, research, and preparedness for future pandemics.
Address inequality: Tackling the root causes of disparities requires policy changes, from wage reforms to healthcare access for marginalized communities.
Support mental health: Employers and policymakers should promote mental well-being through better coverage, workplace support, and education to end the stigma.
Act on climate change: The pandemic proved it’s possible to reduce emissions rapidly. Now, decisive climate action is more urgent than ever.
Defend truth: Education campaigns, media literacy programs, and stricter policies against misinformation are essential in combating the erosion of truth.
Rebuild community: Intentional efforts to nurture authentic relationships, community connections, and collective solidarity can heal the isolation of recent years.
Reinvest in education: A renewed focus on equitable access to education and closing learning gaps is crucial for future resilience and opportunity.
A call to remember
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that humanity is capable of extraordinary resilience, adaptability, and innovation. Vaccines were developed at record speed, communities banded together to support each other, and millions of lives were saved by collective action. Yet, the same pandemic revealed our collective shortcomings and the ways we continue to fall short of meaningful change.
What we didn’t learn from the pandemic says more about us than we’d like to admit. But it’s not too late to turn hindsight into action. The challenge is to resist the urge to “move on” without taking stock of what went wrong. The next crisis will come that much is inevitable. Whether we’ll be ready depends on whether we have the courage to learn from the one we’ve already faced.
Tarrent-Arthur Henry, Mental Wellness Specialist and Advocate
Tarrent-Arthur Henry, known by the pen name Tarrent ‘Authur’ Henry, is a devoted husband and stepfather to two exceptional young men. The founder of 'Righteous Uplifting Nourishing International, Inc.,' a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, he passionately leads its global mission to empower individuals to achieve their dreams. He is also a best-selling author and poet. Henry serves as a Pastor, Chaplain, Mental Wellness Specialist, and advocate. And holds certifications as a Coach, Speaker, Teacher, Trainer, and Facilitator with Maxwell Leadership.
