In just a few days, my Euro trip—along with thousands of other travelers—has come to an end. I’ve gone from country to country where borders are closing and entire communities are going under lockdown to prevent the further spread and destruction of the Coronavirus.

I’ll admit that initially I didn’t understand the severity of the virus and need for quarantine. Like many others, I thought it was a concern that had been blown up by the media to incite mass fear and chaos. I thought it would “blow over” in a couple of weeks and by washing my hands, not greeting people with a hug or hello kiss, and avoiding the elderly, I was doing my part. It seemed that so many others around me had the same mindset, but with the world rapidly changing around us, we have no other choice but to be fully aware of the deteriorating situation and our contribution.

Now, I’m returning to the United States of America with a better understanding of what that part looks like. It first looks like a self-quarantine after weeks of travel before seeing how I can contribute to my community. But while taking a look at myself, I also started to look at my peers, my home, and my country.

The USA has shut schools, mass sporting events, broadway shows, marathons, and countless other public facilities and events, but when I turn to social media, what do I see?

I see a country of people still out partying at bars and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, still sharing a table with their friends at a busy restaurant, still flying for enjoyment, still gathering together because their work or classes were canceled.

I see a country of people hoarding toilet paper, stocking up on a year’s worth of food, leaving grocery store shelves bare, and completely disregarding those who aren’t fortunate enough to afford this luxury.

I see a country of people who are naive in thinking this virus won’t have an impact on them or their loved ones. I see a country of people who are feeding into the amplified panic from the media, yet not abide by the simple instructions to lock it down for a couple of weeks to give those who can’t fight the virus a fighting chance.

I also see a country where schools are providing meals to students who would go hungry without, where companies are providing free services to keep separated families connected and children can continue to learn, where kind neighbors are going on grocery runs for those who can’t, where communities are working together by staying apart.

I understand that it’s difficult to comprehend the severity of something like this until you are directly impacted. Now that you’ve seen the chaos, destruction, love, support, and all of the above, it’s your turn to act.

How will you do your part in this pandemic? How will you learn from the rest of the world? How will you be seen?