Post one original reflection on the question above and two separate follow up responses to posts made by other students. These 3 posts are required in order to qualify to receive full marks. Posts should be one to two paragraphs long. Both your post and your responses to peers must engage with relevant course concepts from that week's lesson and assigned reading. Be explicit in engaging course concepts in your discussions by using the terminology and ideas. Make sure to provide any citations of sources used including course lessons and the OER in APA format. Initially, I believed that the COVID-19 pandemic was not as severe as reported in the media. I did not take the virus seriously and did not follow recommended safety measures such as wearing masks or social distancing thinking it was just like general cases of flu. However, as the pandemic progressed, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the virus on my community, friends, family, and across the whole world. I saw news reports of hospitals overwhelmed with patients, stories of people losing loved ones, and the economic impact of the pandemic on small businesses. I also read scientific studies and reports that provided evidence of the severity of the virus and its potential long-term effects. Different mainstream media sources like BBC were also telecasting the devastating situations of people from different countries due to the pandemic which made me more concerned about the issue. My opinion shifted, and I developed a strong conviction that the pandemic was a significant global issue that required immediate action. I started taking recommended safety measures seriously and encouraged others to do the same. In hindsight, I realized the importance of evaluating media agendas and seeking information from diverse sources. I also recognized the impact that personal experiences and the opinions of others can have on shaping our beliefs and opinions. I now make a conscious effort to critically evaluate information and seek diverse perspectives before forming an opinion on any issue.