Returning to class Rough Draft Edited

With the anticipated transition to in-person courses, many college students are grappling with the safety precautions expected of them during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Realistically, 16-30-year-olds are the biggest problem due to their likelihood of being accidental super-spreaders,” said biology junior Sydney Cortez in a chat message. “I absolutely think everyone should have the vaccine.”

In an April 28 email, SJSU President Dr. Mary A. Papazian announced that SJSU will comply with the CSU system and require COVID-19 vaccines for all students, faculty and staff. 

“I do not think making it a requirement is fair,” said journalism junior Sarah Dwyer who does not want to return to in-person classes. 

“We get to save thousands by not having to be on campus,” said Dwyer in a comment section on the SJSU Sammy application.” 

Contrary to Cortez, Dwyer believes the average college student is from an age demographic that is not at risk and thus, should not be required to be vaccinated to return to school. 

“They say they care about the students but it’s clear they don’t,” said Dwyer. 

Dwyer said she isn’t necessarily against the vaccine but is against her school requiring it.

“It totally should be our choice since it is our bodies,” said Dwyer. 

However, photography professor Robin Laser notes that requiring vaccines to attend public school is nothing new. 

“We require all kinds of vaccinations when we go into the first grade or you're teaching anywhere,” said Lasser. “This is just another one.”

Lasser said she is already vaccinated. 

“I feel much freer now,” cheered Lasser.

But having “freedom” is something Dwyer feels she lacks because the school is “forcing” her to get the vaccine in order to attend in-person classes, which may be necessary for her degree. 

“If some students have bad reactions or end up in a serious medical situation due to the vaccine, which can and has happened, then the school would or should be held liable,” added Dwyer. “It’s a big mess they shouldn’t even touch.”

Many students believe that being vaccinated isn’t the only measure SJSU should take in order to ensure safety amongst students and faculty. 

“I know things are rolling up, there are vaccines, and things reopen one step at a time, but even so, we still need to be careful, responsible and don’t be foolish like the “Karens”, anti-maskers, people who are against Asian Americans and stupid people,” said communication studies senior Steven Nguyen. 

Cortez is excited to return to in-person classes but says he would feel safer if people wore two masks and practiced social distancing. 

“I’m actually really happy with SJSU’s effort and preparedness, from what I’ve seen anyway,” said Cortez. “The real tell will be the fellow students.”

Cortez views in-person classes as a necessary part to his education because he struggled to pay attention in his online classes due to his attention-deficit disorder. 

“Usually, watching the teacher's movements helps stimulate my brain just enough to keep me focused,” said Cortez in a chat message. 

Additionally, Cortez said in-person classes allowed him to receive extra help from his peers. 

He explained that if he missed an important print or his brain took it the wrong way, he would be able to get help from his classmates “real quick” and not have to interrupt the whole class. 

Photography professor Robin Laser is concerned about how students are going to be able to coordinate their in-person classes with their online ones. 

For example, a student may have an online class in the morning but an in-person class shortly after, causing inconveniences. 

“Where will [students] go to do the online class with me that has internet access and won't be bothering other people by participating as a student?” questioned Lasser. 

Besides this concern, Lasser said she remains optimistic about returning to campus. 

“I think it actually might be an exciting new way to envision our future,” said Lasser. 

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