Though the pandemic came almost two years ago, we are not yet over the lasting effects of the COVID-19 virus, so why are we as a society moving forward as if we have beaten it?

As a student, it is so exhausting getting thrown back into campus life as if we didn’t just finish getting adjusted in home life. Don’t get me wrong, for whatever reason I thought I missed running around to back-to-back work and classes, because I always looked back to my life pre-pandemic with rose-colored glasses it seems. Pre-pandemic, running around all over campus and being involved meant seeing my friends, building connections, and having fun. To me it meant being a social butterfly and thriving, mentally and physically. But the reality of it is the days are so long and I never get a moment to myself anymore, which is something I grew to admire during the pandemic. Not to mention, every piece of being involved on campus has crumbled due to the pandemic. All the clubs and organizations I missed so much fell apart when we went online due to lack of participation and in-ability to recruit new members.

Also, its hard to forget the actual instilled fear of the virus that I am still processing. Anyone that coughs near me makes me anxious, any body ache or chest pain I experience makes me question if going to class is responsible. I question every symptom I experience because not only do I want to stay healthy, but I do not want to put anyone else in harms way. Sometimes I wonder if any other students are even being as responsible as I am. I have experienced students who have argued against keeping their mask on in class. I have experienced people in the gym with no mask at all. I have spoken with people who still believe the fake-news surrounding the vaccine. This virus still causes so much anxiety. And it feels like we’re just supposed to let it go because we’re mostly vaccinated and mostly wearing masks, when, on the off chance, there are others still getting infected in even the most protected scenarios.

It is important to keep this pandemic in mind and to live as if the virus is still lingering, because the virus is still here. Those who believe the idea that mask mandates and proof of vaccination is an infringement of American rights just goes to show that some Americans are not aware of the importance of helping their neighbors. Hopefully, one day those who do not believe in masks and vaccinations will open their eyes to the significance in a society that makes everyone feel safe and welcome. Similar to our talk on creating societies that can accommodate people with disabilities, it is still important to live in a society that accommodates for this pandemic. We’re all still adjusting.