Essential
by Johnay K.

I don’t necessarily have a hero, but I would say I definitely do during this uncertain time. Minimum wage jobs or essential employees that are looked down upon deserve to be honored. Not only are they risking their health to serve the public, but they are also risking their mental health. As a college student who has worked and is currently working a minimum wage job, I understand the frustration. I find it insulting when people say minimum wage workers during this time are “brave.” The condescending commercials call essential employees "heroes.” Even though they are heroes, they should not be risking their lives and dealing with rude customers. If companies really cared about their employees, they wouldn't force them to work, or they would at least have the decency to provide hazard pay. Once this is all over I hope humanity betters itself. Things should not go back to normal, but we must create a new normal.