Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.

With more than 251 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the U.S. alone, the country is trending toward herd immunity and a return to pre-pandemic life. We must recognize and celebrate the hard work that has gone into the distribution and administration of these vaccines to the wider American population, including the efforts of President Joe Biden, the scientists developing vaccines and the medical professionals administering them right here at Syracuse University. At the same time, we must remain vigilant in protecting our fellow Americans against the spread of COVID-19. 

Biden initially set a goal to administer 100 million vaccines in his first 100 days in office, but after incredible progress within his first 50 days, he doubled down and set a new goal of 200 million vaccines. Almost 100 days into his presidency, Biden has achieved his goal of administering 200 million vaccines. It’s a massive success not only for the Biden administration but also for the entire country. 

With more and more Americans getting vaccinated, there is increased hope that we are approaching the end of the pandemic in the U.S. Even at SU, nearly two-thirds of students were vaccinated as of April 14. But we must continue following public health guidelines until the medical and scientific experts believe it’s safe to return to “normal” life.

For students attending SU, there are a lot of factors pointing toward the return of pre-pandemic life. From the ability to attend Syracuse Mets games to the prospect of attending fully in-person classes in the fall, it’s true that a sense of normalcy is coming back. For the purpose of improving our mental health, this is much needed. 

Experts have studied the effects that the pandemic has had on the mental health of college students, and it isn’t good. In one study, 71% of college students indicated increased stress and anxiety due to the virus’s outbreak. 

SU students are itching to get that normal college experience, something the pandemic has interfered with for over a year. Still, students must realize that we must gradually return to normal to prevent additional outbreaks or issues for those who remain unvaccinated.

As SU students head home for the summer, there are some practical things we can do to continue combatting COVID-19 while bringing back elements of our pre-pandemic lifestyle. Stay away from large groups of people, vaccinated or not, and if you must be in a large group, wear a mask. Respectfully and responsibly encourage those who may be skeptical about the vaccine to get it. People may change their mind on receiving a vaccination after you detail your experience after getting vaccinated. Continue washing your hands frequently with soap throughout the day. It really does kill the germs. Donate blood and plasma to help hospitals in dire need of those resources. 

The thousands of people responsible for the recent successes in combating COVID-19, including those in the Biden administration, should be praised for the progress made in the past five months. The administration inherited a country divided and suffering from COVID-19, and it has done an outstanding job at mending these immediate crises. 

The Biden administration should continue conveying that the end of the pandemic is in sight, but we must remain smart with our day-to-day actions. As the summer approaches, it is critical that we keep our guard up to ensure no additional outbreaks occur. We are so close to returning to normal life – let’s keep it together.

If every student attempts to remain conscious of COVID-19, life will return to normal quicker than expected. SU students should continue the practices that have made this semester on campus successful. We know what to do, so let’s continue doing it. 

Nathan Fenningdorf is a sophomore political science major. His column appears biweekly. He can be reached at nlfennin@syr.edu.

Published on May 9, 2021 at 9:02 pm

Contact Nathan: nlfennin@syr.edu