Emma Narvaez
March 2020 – a month forever etched into our memories since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic; a time when classrooms were reduced to a grid of squares on a screen, and toilet paper became more valuable than gold. Now, exactly three years later, Japan has announced that mask-wearing is optional, and Saint Maur has followed suit. While some individuals of the school community acclaim the decision as a step towards long-awaited normalcy, others remain apprehensive and cautious, recognizing the potential risks and uncertainties that linger amidst the ongoing pandemic. I interviewed several students and teachers to gain insight into their opinions regarding Saint Maur’s significant decision that is poised to bring about a major change. To respect their privacy, the names of these interviewees will remain anonymous.
One teacher at Saint Maur, confidently approved the decision, stating “I am very relieved because at some point, they’re going to have to come off and I was ready to take them off 2 years ago.” Additionally, he elaborated on the potential benefits that may come with making masks optional. “I think it will be good for the school because seeing people’s faces makes a world of a difference. You can see people smile, you can read people better, and when they’re talking to you it’s much easier to actually understand their intentions and how they feel so I think that’s a brilliant thing.” This teacher emphasized that although the decision may not be the best in terms of safety, he believes that the benefits that will contribute to the overall wellbeing of the school outweigh the potential risks.
Students have also noticed the positive implications that have come with optional mask-wearing and the removal of COVID-19 policies in their daily school lives. One student referenced the plastic dividers that were in place in the Cougar Cafe, stating, “There was a burden on communication, especially at lunch, because we weren’t able to hear each other and it was hard to speak to each other.” Furthermore, one student stated “I think it’s good for the younger generation because I heard that they’re not good at socializing because they can’t read expressions with the masks on and that’s what they’re used to.”
Although many individuals have found benefits from the lifting of the mask mandate, some believed that the school’s decision was long overdue. When asked about potential apprehensions related to the removal of the mask mandate, one student expressed her lack of concern, stating “At this point, COVID is not as serious of an issue as it was before, so I consider it more as a flu than a serious disease. I like that it’s an option now rather than having us mandated to wear it, even when I didn’t see a point in wearing it.”
Overall, many individuals of the school community have noticed the merits as we enter this less restrictive way of life, particularly in terms of socialization and communication.
While many individuals have transitioned into this new phase of life with zero hesitation, others have remained cautious to embrace such a big change. One student explained “I’m kind of scared of people coughing and sneezing, especially during hayfever season and I turned into a bit of a germaphobe so I don’t really like that people are coughing all over the place without a mask on.”
Furthermore, a teacher at Saint Maur, voiced his concerns about the general downgrading of COVID-19, especially because of his personal experience having it. He stated, “I’m still suffering from when I had COVID over a year ago and people are finding that some of the damage COVID can do to you is permanent. It worries me that we’re just going to treat it like the flu because it’s not the flu, it’s something different, and I think people are in such a hurry to go back to the time before it.” Each individual has a unique experience with the pandemic, whether that was through contracting the virus themselves, knowing someone who did, or simply observing the global impact of it. These experiences are what shape our overall perception and response to it. Regardless, it is important to consider these varying perspectives with empathy and understanding to promote unity and respect as we move forward in deciding whether or not to wear masks in school.
Evidently, there are some quite contrasting opinions regarding the lifting of the mask mandate; while some perceive the decision as one eagerly anticipated, others view it as risky and premature.
Throughout the past three years, many arguments revolving around mask-mandates have risen, one being that they infringe on personal freedom. When asked how he would respond to that argument, the previous teacher stated, “There’s a time for freedom and there’s a time when people should just suck it up and do the right thing for the better of the greater good.” Another student also argued against that logic, stating “It’s a piece of cloth, I don’t think it does anything to restrict your freedom.”
Apart from opinions related to whether masks affect the overall safety of the community, some individuals have chosen to continue wearing masks due to its habitual nature. One student explained that he is still wearing a mask because “it’s been three or four years so it’s kind of like a habit for [him].” The long-lasting effects of the pandemic have led to some individuals developing a psychological attachment to the mask, as it has become an integral part of their daily routine. The habits and mentality that have come with the past three years may take some time to relinquish, and the adjustment to a post-pandemic world will undoubtedly be challenging for many.
As the Saint Maur community navigates their way through this time of uncertainty, teachers and faculty have encouraged students to respect each other’s decisions and concerns. The debate around mask-mandates is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides but ultimately, it is up to each individual to assess their own beliefs and comfort before making their choice.
Emma Narvaez