I’ve been working at Nexus in various capacities for a decade. I’ve seen countless students come and go, and I’ve been impressed countless times by the resourcefulness and resiliency of some of those students. As I sit here and absorb the news of the Camosun Chargers’ fall season being cancelled and the majority of classes for the fall semester being offered online, I’m overcome with a sort of sadness, and a feeling of defeat trying to win the afternoon. I mean, let’s be honest: this all sucks for students.
But then I’m reminded of the many times I’ve defended the younger generations over the past decade when people—often of that generation—have grumbled to me that the youth are lazy, the youth are self-absorbed, the youth are social-media-centred and selfie-obsessed. I’ve stood in the Nexus office and disagreed with that with all my heart for years. Because I know it’s not true.
Sure, some people are like that. That’s not a generational thing, that’s a people thing, a societal thing. Here’s what I see in the average Camosun student today (granted, the demographic spans a wide age range): someone who can roll with the punches. Someone who shrugs their shoulders and gets their work done. Someone who sees on the bright side of things, even while offering a sort of resigned sigh about the absurdity of life.
No one is trying to make you think the fall semester is going to be a particularly fun one. But I know you’ll look on the good side of things, you’ll take advantage of being at home more (even if it’s to rest; don’t forget to rest), you want have to endure awkward class visits from Nexus staff (wait a sec… see you on Zoom), you’ll maybe even sneak a nap in between classes. And why not?
Some of you, ahem, will even turn to your trusty student newspaper and website to write opinion pieces about how it’s all going, or to interview Camosun higher-ups about how the college is handling the COVID-19 crisis. Because we’ll be here, going strong as ever—stronger than ever if we have to—to keep students informed about what’s going on at Camosun.
You can make the best of the upcoming semester, even if it’s not ideal. We’ll get through it. We’ve all got our fingers crossed that January will look somewhat more normal. Until then, stay strong, Camosun students. You got this. Like always.
Greg Pratt, managing editor
editor@nexusnewspaper.com