by CYDNEY HEED
Editor
The COVID-19 Pandemic brought about tons of changes, ranging from mask mandates to virtual classes and beyond.
Throughout the pandemic, many have yearned for a “return to normal.” This begs the question: what will a post-COVID “normal” look like? What aspects of pre-pandemic life can people hope to get back, and what changes are here to stay?
In an effort to understand what a post-COVID world might be like, the Voice reached out to WCC students for their thoughts.
What do you miss the most about life before COVID?
“The lack of being scared of potentially getting the virus.”—Jack Rousseau, General Studies
“The library. Oh how I yearn for the sweet smell of free books, for a space dedicated to quiet that isn’t my own home, how I yearn for community workspaces!”—Ira Smith, Sustainable Farming
“Not having to wear a mask. Sometimes I will walk down the street and have to go back in the house because I forgot my mask.”—Brandon Brehon, Business Administration
“Spending time in student lounges/study centers/the Student Center.”—Cameron Plesco, Liberal Arts Theatre and Communication Transfer
“I miss…spending time at the gym without restrictions.”—William L. Richardson, Exercise Science
What changes do you hope will stick around?
“I hope that people [retain] sanitization standards as all illness is down this year apart from [COVID].”—Jack Rousseau
“The ability for so many different disabilities to be accommodated totally needs to stick around.”—Ira Smith
“I hope there will be an increase in virtual classes post-pandemic.”—Emily Rousell, Sterile Processing
What do you hope will go back to normal?
“I hope I am able to see friends and colleagues on a consistent basis, I also want the streets to be busy again.”—Jack Rousseau
“Easily accessible public transportation.”—Cameron Plesco
“I would like to see basketball and baseball resume in person.”—Carolyn Latham, Nursing
Will you continue to wear a mask after mandates are lifted?
“I will not continue to wear one unless it is required by law.”—Lauren Camill, Business Management
“Maybe in some situations like crowds.”—Andrew Blackburn, C++ Programming
“If I’m going to a grocery store or a concert where I’m not 100% sure if everyone is vaccinated, then I’m going to wear a mask … I think people should continue to wear masks if they’re sick … I’d like to keep the mask mandate for group activities.”—Emily Rousell
“Personally I feel like, especially the way things are, the mandates are not going to reflect the actual numbers and what is happening.”—Ira Smith
“Yes. In situations where I will be in large crowds or packed spaces (small shops, busses, etc.)”—Cameron Plesco
“I most likely will continue to wear a mask just to be safe if I’m…around a mass of people like in regards of concert, family gathering or party event.”—William L. Richardson
“I plan to until not just when it is not a law but when I PERSONALLY feel safe from what I have heard about the progress of the illness.”—Jack Rousseau
Will you choose online classes over in-person ones?
“Yes, I like zoom classes because it reduces the need to travel to and from campus, the need to pack or buy meals, and down time is more fun [than] sitting around between classes on break.”—Andrew Blackburn
“No, I prefer in person learning because it pushes me to learn the material prior to attending class.”—Lauren Camill
“I want to be able to do both. I’ve currently planned online school until fall of 2022. And by then, we shall see how it all goes.”—Ira Smith
“[Online] because the hours are more flexible for students who work.”—Cameron Plesco
“Yes I would still choose online classes over in person cause I would still be scared to be around people I don’t know and be wondering am I going to get sick from them and bring it to my family.”—Carolyn Latham
What activities do you think can or should stay remote post-pandemic?
“So many office jobs! Anything and everything that can be remote should have the option of being remote.”—Ira Smith
Once the pandemic is considered under control, will you still want to see precautions? If so, what?
“Smaller classes or screenings for classes greater than 15 people.”—Cameron Plesco
When will we be able to say that the pandemic is over?
“I don’t think the pandemic will ever end because there will just be more kinds of viruses, but I could be wrong.”—Andrew Blackburn
“…extremely low numbers for an extended period of time.”—Ira Smith
“I’d say that the end of the pandemic will be when at least 80% of the population gets their vaccine, or when the COVID numbers get down to a manageable level…”–Emily Rousell
