For fear that I might be retaliated – explicitly or implicitly – for this post, let me hide the identity of the institution I’m referring to. But, for those who know me well, that institution is easily identifiable.
The side effects of my booster vaccine are still kicking in, but because of my utter dismay, the drive to publish this is simply in full gear.
This university I’m in has a tradition of entering an arch, built in the 19th century, that signifies the beginning of one’s educational journey there. This tradition can be likened to a fraternity or sorority initiation. Though the difference is that initiations can sometimes be lethal; this tradition, of course, is safe.
Entering the arch is not just a clout-chasing activity. Underneath the pomp and glamour is the ultimate manifestation of a new chapter in one’s education life. That we have entered into a new dimension away from our dependent selves to learn independence firsthand.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, there was a clear understanding that in-person gatherings would come to a halt to avoid transmission.
Two years later, many have come to adapt to living with the virus. It seemed that Covid-19 had no end, so why hinder us from gradually returning to the life that was taken away from us.
Though it does not mean that protocols would be disregarded. The social responsibility ingrained in us will always be followed, for as long as it clears the path towards a return to normality.
I wear N-94 masks all the time. I was vaccinated thrice already. I assume that many of my peers have done this not only to protect themselves from the virus but to ensure that they are qualified to participate in in-person gatherings that could reenergize their souls.
With that being said, I felt utterly disappointed, dismayed and distressed when this university announced that we couldn’t have a late opportunity to enter the arch. Many have come to be disappointed as well.
One source told us why the administration gunned down this proposal: “To minimize the risk of Covid-19.” Why didn’t they think of that when they decided to hold in-person graduation activities? What would be the difference between letting previous batches graduate and letting previous batches just fulfill a tradition? Why was the former permitted and the latter not?
This is not an overreaction to what seemed to be an initiative from the higher-ups to protect us from a dreaded virus. But for god’s sake, aren’t we afraid so much? Franklin Roosevelt said that the only thing we should fear is fear itself.
Maybe that’s why the administration is still hesitant to execute limited face-to-face classes in all courses, unlike others that are beginning to do that. This is a demonstration of unwarranted trepidation that could affect our present – and maybe our future.
To be fair, the university tried to compensate for this lost moment with a virtual edition using Minecraft. While I’m amazed by the visuals – I could never do that myself – there’s just something missing.
If there’s any consolation from this so-called ordeal, it’s that I’ve already entered the arch in one of my campus visits. Weird as it may sound, this post is more on fighting for an opportunity for the incoming sophomores and juniors, many of which are also zealous to experience collegiate life with flair. Some sophomores may not have stepped foot inside the campus, so why prevent them of a chance for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
For now, we desperately pray for God’s intervention. This is a chance for Him to enter the administrators’ minds to rethink their decision. I just hope He’s not attending to some other needs first.
Featured image from Kristoffer Pasion’s Twitter account.
The Edj View 
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