As Emerson College emerges from a frigid winter, the campus community faces a surge in influenza cases and the onset of spring allergies. To combat these seasonal challenges, students emphasize the importance of health and wellness resources.
Amelia Normington, a first-year student majoring in creative enterprises, expressed concerns about the difficulties of falling ill away from home. ‘Getting sick here is entirely a worse experience than it is at home,’ she said. For students living away from home, the Emerson Wellness Center is a vital resource for both physical and mental health needs. However, some students report challenges in accessing immediate care.
Hannah Tandy, also a first-year student, detailed her experience when seeking treatment. ‘I thought I had a sinus infection in December, so I went to the [Wellness Center] because I thought you could do walk-ins,’ she stated. Unfortunately, she was informed to schedule an appointment instead.
Brandin Dear, Director of the Wellness Center, acknowledged the importance of staying informed about public health. In a recent message, Dear wrote, ‘EWC… keeps our community safe and informed, and manages the impact of the pandemic.’ He highlighted the ongoing updates regarding COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses available on their website.
Many professors encourage students to prioritize rest when ill. Nancy Lyons, an instructor specializing in infectious diseases, noted, ‘There’s been an acknowledgment that trying to push through when we’re sick is not good for us, and it’s not good for our community.’
Recent federal decisions have raised concerns about infectious disease management. The Trump administration’s cancellation of over $12 billion in federal grants previously used for tracking infectious diseases has sparked debate. ‘If we don’t stop infectious diseases in their tracks, then we will have larger and larger outbreaks,’ Lyons warned, underlining the importance of credible resources for health information.
At Emerson, the community is preparing for the possibility of future challenges, emphasizing the need for social cohesion to mitigate loneliness among students. A 2022 survey revealed that 61% of Emerson students reported experiencing loneliness.
Robin Danzak, a professor who focuses on health and social cohesion, stated, ‘Research shows that social cohesion is a protective factor,’ stressing the value of fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
As students reflect on their preparedness for potential future health crises, Joshua O’Connor, a senior, expressed confidence that the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic will facilitate a smooth transition should another crisis arise. ‘I think we are pretty well equipped,’ he said.
In the face of ongoing health challenges and winter illnesses, the Emerson community continues to rally around health and wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of support and resources available for all students.
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