The question of whether to go back to school amidst Covid-19 has been a debate across the country. Many universities have seen surges in cases, many involving students in Greek life. Some schools that began fully open have now begun postponing in person classes.

There were promises to wear masks, socially distance, sanitize, and various other precautions. But on university campuses, these are not foolproof.

This is made harder because college students don’t want to just go to class and go back to their dorm. They want to socialize.

Thankfully, she has been able to maintain her internship at the Disability Rights UK, which is an advocacy organization.

Madisyn

Madisyn Hess lives paralyzed from the waist down. Her diaphragm is also partially paralyzed. That means any type of respiratory illness, like the flu and pneumonia, could be very dangerous for her.

She goes to school at Christopher Newport in Virginia, which started school this year on a hybrid system. Some classes are in person and some are online. Madisyn lives off campus and has had to turn down invitations to parties and get togethers with her friends.

She explains that it can be lonely, but she knows its important. Thankfully, she’s found something that has helped her.

Madisyn has found a group of other women like her who are not able to be social, or are unwilling to, due to an underlying condition. The support group meets each week via Zoom to talk about how they are navigating life. Madisyn explains how nice it is to be able to talk to people who understand what she’s going through.

Cassandra Paiz goes to Bryn Mawr. She is also a part of the support group. She is diagnosed with fibromyalgia and asthma. She is thankful the group gives her space to vent and share feelings with a community who gets it.