Now that we are a few days out of the one year pandemic anniversary, I am sure we have all learned a lot by now.
There are the obvious things like: wear your mask, sanitize everything, wash your hands, STAY HOME if you don’t feel well, and just be vigilant. One thing I don’t quite think we have learned yet though is how to celebrate holidays.
We are all aware that Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up, and for the college community, that seems to be a huge thing. For those who are unaware of what I mean by that, it means parties, drinking, or a little more of both. Normally, it wouldn’t be so bad, and I would stop this article now and tell everyone to be safe, eat a meal prior to whatever you’ll be partaking in, drink plenty of water, and have a good time.
Nowadays though it’s not that simple. I wish I could say it was and that I had faith in everyone to not go out, or if they did, to remain socially distanced and keep their masks on, but that’s not going to happen either. We are all longing for a sense of normalcy, I mean it’s been over a year! I don’t blame any of you, I am in the same exact boat.
For the sake of all of us, college students, your families, friends, and anyone else who is of top priority to you, DON’T GO TO THAT PARTY! I know this sounds rude of me to say and that you’re still going to do whatever you feel like doing but remember there are consequences. Consequences that are so much stronger than ones we have seen before.
This pandemic has gone on long enough, and with vaccines going out, it seems that we are moving in a positive direction. With this holiday fast approaching though, it could send us into another influx of the virus, and I know that isn’t what any of us want. So, if you do choose to go to a party or host one yourself, please make sure that it is with close members of the family or friends you often see. Those you know who are vaccinated are immune to the virus or have been staying vigilant about the regulations of COVID-19. Wear your mask for as long as possible. If there are outside guests, offer sanitizer or handwashing stations if serving food.
We are so close to beating this virus, and if we all just follow the guidelines and make it through this one holiday and ones to follow if this pandemic continues, I know that there will be brighter days to come.