It has almost been an entire year since COVID-19 entered the United States with enough positive cases to temporarily shut down schools, businesses and travel all across the country.

Even though the days have all felt the same and it still can be a challenging time trying to figure out what day of the week it is, so much has changed in one year. The United States has elected and inaugurated a new president for the country, and Guilford College has named two new presidents since August. The way people can communicate and interact with one another safely has been reimagined, and the “new normal” is beginning to feel… well… normal.

After the majority of the first spring twelve-week session in Guilford College history had concluded, many students were elated to hear that spring break would be extended last year, and we at The Guilfordian can second this. The notion that we would have to be cautious about contracting COVID-19 replayed roughly 25 more times and counting, more than any of us could ever imagine. This year, there is no spring break to extend. 

We at The Guilfordian are tired of the pandemic and looking forward to the day when it will be finally over. We completely understand that you may feel that way too. Our society’s focus and priorities have often shifted from COVID-19 to other important issues such as systemic racism, income inequality, preventing a college from resorting to program prioritization and even trying to survive several hours without power, just to name a few.  

For the first time in a year, it finally feels like the pandemic will be over sooner than we know it. Vaccines are able to reach select members of Guilford staff and students, and the feelings of fear and uncertainty in 2020 are being replaced with hope and clarity in 2021. However that does not change the fact that the pandemic is still ongoing. That does not change the fact that you can still test positive for COVID-19. That does not change the fact that people are losing loved ones to the virus every single day. 

In the meantime, it is important for all of us to continue wearing face masks, washing our hands and social distancing. Finally, despite all of the other struggles and hardships caused by the pandemic, it is important to know that your health, safety and well-being is more important than anything.