Boris’ Roadmap: Are you an optimist or a sceptic?

In February 2021, Boris Johnson released the government’s ‘roadmap out of lockdown’ that promises the current third lockdown to be the final one this nation will ever have to endure.

I think I speak for most when I say that I genuinely don’t care how much longer we have to spend in lockdown if it means that summer is guaranteed, and that we’ll never have to return to lockdown life again.

As I’m approaching my final year of university, I have so many hopes as to how I want to enjoy my summer.

First things first, I want to graduate — and not just some depressing online graduation, I want the full experience, wear the cap and gown, get that picture with my diploma, and celebrate with my flatmates on making it through together.

Paying nine grand for an online degree was already a bit of a scam, add not getting to graduate then by that point it’s just pure daylight robbery.

Second of all, I want to see all my friends. If we are actually guaranteed to enjoy a covid-free summer this year, then I solemnly swear never to turn down plans with friends ever again. After all this time spent in lockdown, if there is one thing I’ve learnt it’s to never take anything for granted.

Lastly, I want to travel. I want to make up for all those cancelled holidays, make up for those days stuck inside, and finally use those flight credits that have been sitting in my account for almost a year now, just waiting to be redeemed.

These are just 3 of the many things I’m hoping for this year. But the only way this can happen is if, God-willing, everything goes swimmingly according to Boris’ plan.

Despite everything this roadmap promises, I can’t help but feel sceptical. When this roadmap was first announced, so many people took to social media to rave and share their excitement over everything finally being open again. But while they were celebrating, I had too many doubts to feel excited.

Given that we are in our third lockdown, the government’s poor track record certainly justifies my reservations on getting my hopes up too high.

Hope has been a lifeline for many of us since the start of the pandemic. It’s something that so many of us have…