COLUMN

EDITORIAL Looking Ahead to 2021

2020 was not a great year. We were forced to endure the tragic deaths of beloved figures such as Chadwick Boseman and Kobe Bryant, the human rights atrocities seen at home in the States and abroad in countries like China, Ethiopia, Nigeria and the Nagorno-Karabakh region, the natural disasters that hit Australia and California and, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused the death of over a million people worldwide.

College students also get to tack on mostly-virtual learning, fewer breaks and increased school-related stress to that intimidating mess. It wouldn’t be surprising if students who usually have no problem passing their classes have struggled this year to maintain that same level of excellence. For the many students who already struggle with learning disabilities, distraction or personal problems at home, 2020 has made their already difficult school assignments even harder.

With all that said, it’s important to remember that while some of this year’s baggage will carry over, 2021 presents room for growth as well. Take what harsh lessons 2020 has presented and use them to avoid the same pitfalls in 2021. Those who saw their grades dip this semester now know what types of classes and study methods do and don’t work for them, and those who saw their personal lives struggle can take this opportunity to focus on their own mental health. This next year may not be any easier, in fact it could very well get worse, but human beings are resilient by design and no matter how cliche it must sound by now, “We are all in this together.”

CAMPUS VOICES Holidays during the pandemic: should we cancel?

Health experts are warning against usual gatherings for the holiday season.

As we get spreading COVID-19 and risk the wear her mask whenever she is closer to health of our loved ones. in public. But there are instances the end I am not saying you shouldn’t when she will hang out with her of the year, the spend time with your family at friends and family and could pototal number of all this holiday season. The issue tentially be exposed to COVID-19, COVID-19 cases is when families have large gath- just like family members coming Dallas Wabbington in Texas has erings with people outside of for the holidays. You know the reached over 1 their social circle. You may trust person, but you don’t know the million people. People have been your family member to be safe people who are usually around debating whether or not Thanks- and healthy but you do not know them. giving and Christmas should be who is constantly around them, Instead of having large famcanceled in order to prevent the and, more importantly, whether ily gatherings, the safest way to spread of COVID-19. However, they are taking safety precau- celebrate is with the people you many people are arguing against tions. For example, I live on live with at home. The Centers this idea, because the holidays campus with a roommate. I don’t for Disease Control and Prevenare seen as an escape from the wear a mask when I am with her tion (CDC) released an article reality of the pandemic. Howev- in my apartment because that is regarding holiday celebrations er, the reality is that even though a safe space for me, and I am not and considerations, stating that we feel drawn to celebrate with required to wear a mask. I trust gatherings with friends and famour families, large gatherings my roommate to practice social ily who do not live with you inwill only increase the risk of distancing, hand sanitizing and creases the risk of getting both

GRAPHIC BY OMAR COMBIE | THE WICHITAN

COVID-19 and the flu. It is flu season, after all, so you have to take precautions against spreading the flu as well. Celebrating virtually is also an option, especially since most of us are used to using technology to video call people. Avoid traveling if possible, as well. Taking these precautions are not meant to keep you away from your loved ones. The best way to keep both your family and yourself safe is to stay home and celebrate with the members of your own home. This pandemic has taken a lot from us. Let’s stop the spread of COVID-19, so we can spend the holidays with our families next year.

Vol. 85 | No. 7 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline EDITORS: Amos Perkins, Stephanie Robledo DESIGNER: Omar Combie ISSUE STAFF: Sandra Cruz, Christian Evans, Elizabeth Mahan, Christian Osegura, Dallas Wabbington ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

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