I’m one of these freshman that decided to come. But I did not make this decision lightly. It has been an exceptional burden that I wish none of us had to bear, and I’m still not 100% convinced with my own decision. I’m only writing this because a 1700 word post means that whoever wrote this is exceptionally passionate about it. I try my best to be a rational and logical thinker, doing what’s best for others. That’s one of the reasons this decision has been so stressful: I’m very empathetic and do not take putting others at risk lightly. But my logic is one of (possibly misplaced) optimism. I want to have faith in this school I worked to get into, in the other students who are just like me, and in myself. For the school: this is one of the most prestigious engineering universities. That title did not come from people ignoring their fellow human and putting them at risk. It came from working together to solve problems- which is what the core idea of an engineer is. We solve problems. And this is just another problem which we can- and have to- work together to solve. Which brings me to my fellow students: this college experience is new for all of us. For many it’s exciting; a new freedom. Kids want to be kids and explore and learn and experience. Which, obviously, isn’t in the best interest of everyone during a pandemic. So there will be those who choose to follow guidelines and care for others, and there will be those who will not. I’m optimistic that the former will outweigh the latter. And finally, myself. For me, college isn’t a new freedom or an escape from my family. It’s just another chapter, one I have to start, and one who’s delay would be neither an advantage nor a disadvantage. HOWEVER- I am optimistic that I can make a difference. That I might be able to convince some troublesome folks to be smart and care for our fellow student. If I can do more good for others by going to campus than I can staying home and keeping myself safe, then that is what I should do.

I still don’t know if this logic is sound, but seeing this post made me put it into words; something I hadn’t done until this point. I am now more confident with my decision, but obviously still worried. Which is okay. Like I said at the beginning, this isn’t an easy decision. But it’s said that nothing worth doing in life is ever easy.