Nobody can deny it has been a very different and unpredictable year. We have seen drastic and necessary changes that have been made, and continue to be made, to ensure our health, wellness and safety. Many of us have had to make sacrifices for our own health and the health of our co-workers, friends, families, significant others, classmates, neighbors and so many others. A lot of us missed vacations, birthdays, parties, weddings, family reunions, funerals, celebrations, and even once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like abroad studies or class trips. Our routines were disrupted and plans cancelled involuntarily. Our semester changed abruptly, necessary adaptations were made on the spot, and our lives turned upside-down. After the strain and stress of the past few months, for a lot of us, it feels nearly impossible to think about the future or believe we will ever regain a sense of “normalcy” again.
With the spread slowing in New York, it’s comforting to know that safety measures work. Although we can and should be hopeful for the future and the end of this pandemic, we still need to take our actions seriously. Our actions on campus can have a positive or negative effect. It’s up to us to ensure we leave a positive impact. Although it may look different than past semesters, we can enjoy college life just the same….six feet apart!
Syracuse University has continually dedicated countless hours planning for the safest way to accommodate a fall semester. Now it’s our turn to help them! Adhering to the Stay Safe Pledge is the most promising way we will all be able to make this an easier and safer transition back to campus life.
The Stay Safe Pledge is a campus commitment made to protect the health and safety of all Orange community members. By coming to campus, we’re committing to follow the Stay Safe Pledge. It’s encouraged that all students, faculty, staff and families sign the Pledge in an effort to minimize and stop the spread of COVID-19. The Pledge includes safety guidelines individuals and our community can take to do their part to stay safe and healthy. Some of these guidelines include, but are not limited to,
- maintaining six feet from others;
- practicing social distancing and limit gatherings to 25 people;
- washing your hands and frequently touched surfaces;
- wearing a mask or face covering while on campus;
- wearing a mask or face covering off campus when social distancing is difficult;
- avoiding travel outside of Central New York for the duration of the Fall 2020 semester;
- correctly following quarantining or isolation practices and;
- adhering to all the University directives and guidance.
As we have discovered in the past few months, COVID-19 needs to be taken seriously. It is a shared responsibility for our community to get through this, so let’s work together to reduce the risk of infection and sickness in our community! It’s important to remember that just because you can’t always see someone’s illness or disability does not mean it’s not there. Many people have invisible or hidden illnesses, and we must do everything in our power to protect them and ourselves.
Although some of these directives are not always ideal, they are incredibly necessary. Masks might not always be the most fun to wear all day, but you can still have fun while in a mask! Social distancing does not mean social disaster!
The Stay Safe Pledge is a chance for us to demonstrate our respect, courtesy of others and love for our Orange community and family. Nobody can change the world or keep it safe alone. Join me and countless others across our campus and community in acknowledging and following the Stay Safe Pledge to do your part in keeping our Syracuse University family safe, healthy and together.
Written by Kenzii Stevens ’22 (she/her), David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, Peer Educator Encouraging Healthy Relationships and Sexuality