Published on March 27, 2026
As I write this, it’s been 58 days since the lockdown in Shanghai started on March 28 in Pudong, where I reside. The streets, once vibrant with life, now echo with an unsettling quiet, interrupted only siren or the distant hum of drones. In this extended period of isolation, a profound realization has begun to settle in: we often overlook the everyday heroes, the unsung figures who largely shape our daily existence.
The pandemic has brought critical attention to the frontline workers—the doctors, nurses, and medical staff whose dedication and resilience have saved countless lives. However, while we clap for them from our balconies, it is the unseen laborers, the delivery drivers, grocery store workers, and sanitation employees, who ensure that we have food on our tables and that our neighborhoods remain clean and safe.
In the initial days of the lockdown, I, like many others, found myself frustrated mobility and the drastic changes in my routine. The simple act of leaving my home felt monumental. It soon became clear, however, that while I was confined within four walls, others were still braving the risks to sustain our society. The food delivery person who dared to enter the high-rise clusters, the grocery store staff who managed to keep the shelves stocked, all became essential lifelines during an unprecedented crisis.
Conversations with neighbors, albeit over balconies or through social media, have highlighted this realization further. People have shared their gratitude for the often-invisible workers who have maintained the rhythms of life, from home deliveries of dining and cooking supplies to those who clean the streets of our cities. It has been a collective awakening—a reminder that behind every smooth-functioning system lies a network of hard workers who often go unnoticed.
As I reflect on this experience, it becomes clearer that this lockdown has not only reshaped our understanding of normalcy but has also enhanced our appreciation for those who contribute to our daily lives in substantial yet understated ways. It’s a lesson learned through hardship that should outlast these trying times.
The next phase of reopening will come with its own set of challenges, but it also presents an opportunity to transform our perspective. We should commit to celebrating and supporting everyone—especially those in essential roles—beyond just the pandemic narrative. As we return to our bustling routines, we must remain proactive in acknowledging and valuing the contributions of every individual who plays a part, no matter how small it may seem.
Once the streets are lively again, I hope we don’t slip back into complacency. Instead, we should strive to keep the spotlight on our “backstage heroes.” Let this be a moment where we redefine our recognition, fostering a culture of respect and gratitude that permeates every corner of our society.
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