In the midst of a pandemic that has swept the world off its feet, Union University resumed in-person classes. One of the many reasons students choose Union is because of the sense of community and thriving campus life. We as students and faculty are now asking if we can still have that same high energy, engaging campus life we previously had.
Campus looks drastically different with people masked to the point that we can only see their eyes. Classrooms look different as we all face forward and have no physical contact with one another. Professors now look at a room full of masked students. We have to learn how to read people solely based on what their eyes say. We no longer see the physical smiles as we walk from classroom to classroom. Campus is different. Life is different. Our entire world is different.
“There is a kind of vigilance that we all just have to live with minute by minute,” said Jason Crawford, associate professor of English. “We all grow up and learn how to do social life, but now all the rules are changing. We are all having to learn how to do life together which is really challenging, but in a way it could be a good challenge, because when you’re having to be that intentional about living well with others it gives you opportunities to exercise charity and compassion and graciousness toward others.”
While it’s easy to focus on everything we’ve lost or what looks different, there are so many things that remain the same. We are still having deep conversations in the coffee shops and with our roommates. We have those mind-blowing moments in class that make us feel like we know nothing but simultaneously drive us to learn more. Union’s mission to provide excellence-driven education remains the same, even from behind a mask.
“Even throughout all the changes like masks and social distancing, students’ passion to be on campus has remained, and I would say increased,” Dave Edgren, sophomore resident advisor said. “I think that’s been reflected not only in the returning students but also in the freshmen class. There is an atmosphere of excitement and spirit around Union’s campus that exceeds last year. People are happy and excited to be here, and that is a beautiful thing.”
There’s a joy that has spread around campus since returning. We know what it’s like to be locked inside for months and to feel isolated from the world. For Union students, there is a posture of gratitude as we understand what a blessing it is to be back in fellowship with one another. We all vividly remember the day when we got that unwanted email sending us packing and traveling back home. There is unity in the students and faculty because we all have one common goal: to remain on campus.
“Despite the COVID-19 safety requirements put in place, life on campus has continued to be an environment in which community still thrives,” Avery Lopez, junior graphic design major said. “I’ve been encouraged that even though we are 6 feet apart and for the majority of the time only see a third of everyone’s faces, the positive atmosphere that we all know and love at Union has not changed.”
We may be physically distant but let us not be socially distant. There is still that Union community while we are speaking from behind masks and physically farther apart.
Photo by Maddie Steele
This Artical was very informative and Insprational! With this Virus affecting Everyone and our World in such turmoil, we are especially concerned about our Children and Students. This gave us an insight from how the Student, Faculty, and Staff are all working together to make the new year a safe and successful one. Thank you Maddie for such a great pic and news article!!!