Amidst the pandemic, Emory University allowed the class of 2024 to have a half decent on-campus college experience for the same tuition price as a normal year. In addition to the usual COVID struggles of wearing masks and not going out, these first years are still dealing with normal freshman trials and tribulations, from loneliness to homesickness. Some of them want to drive the positive case numbers up and get sent home, throwing parties and disregarding mask rules. “How else are we supposed to make friends?” First-year Jude Lee who was conflicted about living on campus admitted, “I miss my mom, but I don’t want to miss out on the college campus experience,” sighing with DUC grilled chicken breath that would’ve been better hidden behind a mask.
“Emory says they want us to make connections but hired snitches to catch us when we make too many.” Lee is referring to Campus Proctors, students who are super passionate about Emory’s safety and definitely did not join just to get on-campus housing and a stipend. “Most first-years just ignore them or put their mask on until they go away,” says Lee, “but it’s a values thing for me.” Lee explains that masks are barely effective anyways. “Like only 70% of the time.” The Spoke normally values facts from overconfident 18 year olds more than University and CDC scientists and public health experts. However, Lee eventually admitted he really just wants to go home. “But I have FOMO. If I go home everyone needs to go home so I don’t miss anything.” Virtual first-years are supporting Lee and other anti-mask students in hopes of getting their class kicked off campus, so they can stop feeling left out.
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