Stasya Hopp | Reporter

Wash your hands. Stay home. No gatherings of larger than 10 people. Wait, or is it five? Stay six feet apart in public spaces. Close down businesses. Open them back up. Flatten the curve.

COVID-19 has changed the way people live their lives around the globe. After altering the way we operate to such a degree, how are we meant to change our lives once again when (or if) life returns to a pre-virus norm?

There isn’t a “norm” to return to. COVID-19 will forever be a part of our historical landscape. It has changed the world permanently. Imagine, in 20 years, students being tested on state exams or in college courses over the impact of COVID-19 on world economics, or health, or government.

The virus has closed many doors for students but will open others. Some athletes have been gifted another year of eligibility. Now that online work is necessary, professors and bosses realize the possibility and usefulness the digital world holds.

However, higher education has been hit hard. Baylor has given out thousands of dollars to students as part of its COVID-19 relief fund, and universities are losing just as much money, if not more, refunding students and cancelling summer activities. Classes are online for the summer. Graduation ceremonies have been cancelled and postponed. Exit and entrance exams have been cancelled. Tryouts for the Baylor Spirit Squads has been moved online, and teams face uncertainty as summer camps and practices are approaching. What does the future hold for Baylor’s Line Camp, a freshman summer tradition?

The precariousness of the situation makes it hard for students to stay motivated. Professors and their classes realize that online class is just not the same as face-to-face education. Issues with technology, cheating, and the general variability of Baylor’s students has made the transition difficult. This is not what faculty and staff have signed up for but must take in stride.

In this time, distance cannot separate the Baylor community. Communication is essential to coming out of COVID-19 unified. Though the struggles are disheartening, stay in communication with advisors, professors, peers, family, and friends.

The virus cannot be overcome by a few people staying indoors. It is a collective effort. Baylor must remain a community for its best chance at life after COVID-19.