By Kenneth Rich Jr.
When it comes to the current debate on whether to reopen college campuses for the fall semester or continue to further the education of their students virtually, I believe that there is no correct answer or perfect choice. Knowing this, I am guided by a simple phrase: trial and error. I know I will make mistakes, but I also know that I will learn from them and continue to move forward and better myself.
When you take into consideration the ways in which college students learn, adapt and evolve on actual college campuses, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the current situation that will satisfy everyone. As an incoming freshman at Missouri State University this fall, being able to report in person to campus would be something that I would truly appreciate and benefit from. Having the authentic experience of attending a university in person would allow me to succeed and thrive academically while also allowing me to adapt to my new life as an independent student.
I know this because the last two months of my high school career were held virtually and it was an interesting experience to say the least. While my school leaders were doing everything they could, it was nearly impossible for them to recreate the camaraderie of an in-school environment. My quality of learning dropped drastically and this is not how I want the beginning of my college education to go.
There is a risk of contracting COVID-19 if schools reopen. School boards must ensure that student safety is the most important thing when we consider returning to school this fall. The last two months of the 2019-2020 school year can be seen as the “trial run” for the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year considering that many schools began experimenting with virtual learning models. Data collected during this period could be the key to school administration having success reopening in the fall.
This an unprecedented time, everyone must realize that “we’re in a world of imperfect choices. And I think everyone has to be a grown-up and recognize that's where we are” (Levin). This was a statement made in a New York Times article written by Emily Bazelon about how, when, and whether schools should return in-person in the fall.
Ultimately, I understand that there are risks of returning to school this fall; however, I believe that the risks of going completely virtual will be detrimental to learning at all levels. This entire situation has trial and error written all over it. No matter what, this next year of school is going to be difficult for everyone involved but I believe that we must try and fail and try again.
