College students are headed back to school—and for many, that means up-to-date vaccine cards, a surplus of masks, socially-distanced gatherings, and loads of Zoom calls. But here in our small Michigan oasis, Hillsdale students are free from nonsensical mandates. We shouldn’t take that freedom for granted.
“This is what we do,” Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn replies when asked about challenges of the pandemic. Hillsdale has, and always will, champion exceptional in-person education. But it hasn’t been easy.
Last year, the college prepared a legal case to defend its constitutional right to learn in person. The school spent thousands of dollars equipping classrooms with deionization technology and sanitization stations. Professors opened their homes to students so we could have an in-person education. Bon Appetit adjusted food service to comply with state requirements. The Student Activities team threw COVID-friendly events that required intense planning, the deans made tough decisions daily, wellness counselors faced backlash over foolish rumors, the admissions department had to get creative and expand its team to comply with rules for group tours and student visits, and so much more.
The administration fought for us constantly.
Students are now reaping the rewards of Hillsdale’s uphill battle. We will never grasp the sacrifice it takes to guide an institution through intense political pressure—but we should try to understand.
Students: realize how profoundly blessed you are to be at this school, during this time, with people who want the best for you.
Enter this semester reverently—proudly call yourself a Hillsdale student, honor the sacrifices it took to get you here, and give thanks to God for the institution you have the pleasure of calling home.
Haley Strack is a junior studying Politics and Journalism. She is the Opinions Editor of the Collegian.
