Thursday, March 28, 2024

Editor’s note: The fewer dead Spartans, the better

September 1, 2020
<p>A student enters the Eppley Center after MSU released an email notifying students that administration has canceled classes after noon March 11, 2020.</p>

A student enters the Eppley Center after MSU released an email notifying students that administration has canceled classes after noon March 11, 2020.

Photo by Alyte Katilius | The State News

None of this is easy.

No, seriously. This is tough as hell.

You might be frustrated you can’t enjoy the college experience you desire or equally frustrated that you're stuck in a lease you signed in October.

Maybe you had a friend or loved one who became infected with COVID-19, worried that with each passing night they might not wake up in the morning. Maybe you protested systemic racism this summer. Maybe you just want to party. Maybe you partied anyway.

Perhaps you think this education we signed up for should cost less than it does, without the need to take out student loans.

Whether you’re new to the college experience, taking the first steps of adulthood, or whether you have one foot out the door already, taking the first steps of real adulthood, The State News is the publication for you.

Daily life is different. College is different. What we’re doing this fall is different.

It is what it is.

Some things will stay the same. Our vigorous pursuit of the truth will continue this fall, with coverage of the stories that matter to this campus, this city, this culture that we’re all a part of.

And when we can, we’ll write about sports too.

Some advice that still rings true — find a schedule that works for you, don't be afraid to change your major, actually go to office hours, and ask questions whenever you can.

If you’re in East Lansing this fall, I hope you find ways to be involved in the community, however temporary it may be. If you’re at home, I hope your family avoids interrupting your Zoom calls.

For everyone, I sincerely hope you stay safe, keep your circles small and mask up, for the benefit it brings to your surrounding community.

This virus might not kill you, but it could. Young people are at risk too.

Experts sometimes disagree on certain aspects of the coronavirus pandemic, which is the consequence of watching the scientific method play out in real-time, but experts all agree on one thing: We need to know more about this virus before resuming to business as usual, whatever that may be when this chapter of history has turned its final page.

No matter your circumstance, we will get through this together and maybe even come out on the other side as better people.

Let’s fulfill our personal responsibility to limit potential infections of COVID-19, and let’s get serious about our commitments to racial justice, equity and inclusion because there is no vaccine to cure racism and white supremacy.

Find friends, allies and colleagues with shared goals, reach out to your professors because this is undeniably difficult for them as well.

College is not an experience to be embarked upon alone.

None of this is easy.

Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.

But let’s be honest. Was it really that easy before?

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