Editorial: A different experience
A sign is illuminated through the shade of a tree Aug. 11 on Central Michigan University's campus.
We are back on campus. Finally.
The answer to the question “How long?” is up to us as students.
On Thursday, an excited but concerned parade of parents helped move belongings into Central Michigan University residence halls. Unlike years before, they were unsure what experiences were awaiting their children as they said goodbye.
We are all wondering what the rest of this year has in store. Since March, we have listened to experts telling us to wear a mask, to stay away from crowded spaces and to stay home when we can. Now, we are moving into residence halls and apartments where we’ll be sharing enclosed spaces with others. We’ll be walking the same hallways, riding the same elevators and sitting in the same classrooms.
This fall semester will not be like other semesters. We’ve already lost experiences that we look forward to and the semester has just begun. There will be no tailgates or football games. There are no pickup basketball games at the Student Activity Center. There won't be any concerts to attend in person.
Freshmen won’t be able to flock to Wayside Central on a Friday night looking for their first taste of freedom. Bars won’t be filled elbow-to-elbow with upperclassman looking to unwind after a week of capstone classes.
No one knows how long we’ll be able to stay on campus, but we need to make the most of our time here. We can do that by being accountable for the health and safety of ourselves and of each other.
CMU has put health and safety guidelines in place for students, but they will only work if followed. We’ve listed some ways you can help keep campus healthy, and open, in our back-to-school edition: Wear your mask, social distance and be aware of any potential symptoms.
The power we have as students shouldn't be discounted. Just because this semester is unlike others doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference at CMU. Be positive and make the most of this fall. We all should hold the same goal of finishing this semester safely and in the best of health.
The semester has only begun, but there is already change happening at this university. Petitions have been started to rename buildings on campus that honor campus figures who did not have the best interest of all students in mind. Others are attempting to combat racial injustice and defend students’ Title IX rights.
This can be your year to support your fellow students and help make CMU the best university it can be. One way you can do that is by reaching out to us. Help our student journalists tell the stories you know better than anyone, the ones you want to read.
Every student finds themselves in the same circumstance this semester – being in this socially distanced space, trying to figure out our classes and hoping that we, and our families, remain safe from COVID-19. We are all in this together. Let’s keep that in mind and help each other get through this weird year.
