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Thousands of college students across the nation have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Students were left campuses feeling panicked after the decision was made to switch to online classes. For many, this decision also meant returning home for the remainder of the semester. This situation made me realize this is a public health crisis, and should be treated as such.

As a public relations major, I saw the need for everyone to follow the mandated changes to our lives, even if we are reluctant to do so. It is crucial to keep our communities healthy and to alleviate as much anxiety as possible.

Some of these precautions include washing our hands frequently and to practice social distancing. These precautions are especially important for those that are choosing to stay on campus at Fredonia due to the proximity in the dorms.

The sad reality is that when nature strikes, we have to act accordingly. Although it is unfortunate I cannot attend my regularly scheduled classes, many of my friends are going home, and public events are canceled, it is for the benefit of the greater good. I would rather take the necessary precautions than to further spread or contract the virus.

One of the biggest points the coronavirus epidemic is teaching the world is that nature is not static. No matter how desperately we wish to plan our lives, there will be times when change and adaptation are unavoidable. Nature’s force is so strong that our lives can be modified in a matter of minutes. Everyone wishes things could go back to normal, but the lessons to come out of this epidemic are extremely valuable.

I personally feel saddened and disappointed by this situation, but there are things that are completely out of my control, and this is one of them.

Our society has never experienced a situation as intense as this, which makes adapting even more difficult. This epidemic is teaching us the influence of nature, the importance of adaptability, and to be patient with life.

Katie Lenda is a junior at the State University of New York at Fredonia.