We have finally made it back to campus, and as we begin a new in-person school year, we can begin to long for the normalcy that once was or the one we’ve yet to have.
As a third year, my first few days back on campus hit me harder than the intensity of freshman year. The crowds of walking students made me wish that the COVID-19 pandemic had put us back online for another semester. Having to wait at a Starbucks for an hour was something I had no desire to do, nor even miss. But worse than waiting for a coffee fix, I had to come back to complete my classes in-person. In-person classes led to in-person events. From student clubs to night clubs, each one poses its own risk (some more than others — I’m talking to you, Fat Daddy goers).
For me, I had to make the decision as to whether I would let my fear of missing out (FOMO) win over my fear of contracting COVID-19.
The truth is…
I have never been much of a partier. I am a social butterfly during the day, not a nocturnal animal. I’d rather watch an anime or Korean drama with a bottle of wine in my own home than drink Costco vodka in an apartment with a “Saturdays Are for the Boys” sign.
However, I will say that the thought of wasting my best years sitting at home alone and not with my friends brings me a great deal of sadness. After spending an entire year remotely working and studying, I can’t recall one fun memory from the period. How will I tell my kids about my young years when I’m old, gray and lifeless?
It doesn’t help to know that most of my friends are out and about, clubbing at multiple locations and exposing themselves to COVID-19. How fun can The Range be when your chances of catching COVID-19 or the Gainesville Plague — an unofficially named combination of strep throat and the flu — are high?
What are the other options?
Well, for starters, not going clubbing is a good idea. I hate to sound like Debbie Downer, but taking the necessary precautions is crucial, especially if you’re not vaccinated. Try telling your buddies that you don’t feel comfortable going out. Try a small, at-home dinner over a packed bar. If your friends are truly your friends, they should understand and not resort to peer pressure. You can still hang out, but make sure to be conscious of who you are exposing yourself to.
Earlier this semester, I experienced a scare after having a few guests over my apartment. Some ended up testing positive for COVID-19. Not only did this worry me, but it also upset me to know that I was exposed to the virus without having gone out and partying like they did.
Above all, make sure you surround yourself with people who are worried for your own well-being before their own social enjoyment.
FOMO > COVID-19
The most important thing to remember during this time is that we have a long road ahead of us. There will be an infinite number of opportunities to go out in the future where we can be safe and sound. Despite this, COVID-19 has brought out a new symptom from many of us — FOMO.
But the risk of having respiratory issues or even dying should be reason enough to keep outside dalliances to a minimum. If your FOMO ends up winning out, which is quite likely, make sure to get tested to take the next necessary steps.
UF testing has become limited since the past school year, but it’s still just as simple to take advantage of a free test. If you’re closer to a pharmacy, CVS or Walgreens also offer free tests. Strongly consider wearing a mask when out, especially if you know that you might have been exposed to COVID-19. The only way we’re going to be able to fully satisfy our FOMO is by working together to end this pandemic.
When will the suffering end?
This is the golden question, one that is still to be answered. As mentioned earlier, you might end up going out and risk contracting COVID-19, so take precautions before and after your group party. If you’re the one who stays home, would you want to get COVID-19 from someone who clubbed all night and brought the virus back to you? No, right?
So, as we wait for this dragged on pandemic to wave its final goodbye, let’s try to do our best. FOMO will come and go, but COVID-19 without precautions may last a lifetime.