Since I’ve arrived at WashU this semester, there is one question I’ve been asked most frequently about my college experience: are you even having fun?
Whenever this question is posed to me, I internally ask a few questions myself. What do they consider “fun?” What do I consider “fun?” How does my experience compare to that of my friends and acquaintances? When I consider the months I’ve spent at WashU, personally, I’ve had an amazing time. I’ve met some of the best people and developed deep, personal relationships with them. I’ve explored the city of St. Louis, visiting the area’s most iconic spots such as the Arch and Forest Park, and I’ve tried some of the best BBQ that the country has to offer.
The hardest part, however, when it comes to explaining how much fun I’ve had at WashU, is when I try to compare it to the experience of people I know. I have friends attending Big 10 schools, and schools down south with less Covid-19 restrictions, or less ability to restrict students when it comes to the activities that many people see as defining parts of a college experience such as partying, clubbing, and sporting events.
I’d be lying if I said the Snapchat stories and Instagram posts didn’t make me crave pre-covid era interactions and social scenes, but when I consider the consequences of these student’s actions, I feel much more content with life at WashU.
Many of the students in these videos and pictures already had Covid-19, and others will likely become infected, which may result in long-term health complications. The consequences for getting caught breaking Covid-19 guidelines are becoming more and more severe, with kids getting suspended and expelled left and right. The students, acting as if the pandemic doesn’t exist, are putting themselves and their communities at risk.
Keeping that in mind, when I weigh the pros and cons about going to a school like WashU – one dedicated to safety and community – I’ve ultimately realized that the experience I’ve had so far is significantly more valuable than that of students at other schools. Although the fun I’ve had is different from that of other college students, it has been an amazing semester nonetheless.
College, especially during Covid-19, is about making the most of what you can. So don’t worry about what other students are doing, and make your own fun during your time at WashU.