We’ve all been there. It’s 8:14, the grating sound of the echoey minute bell music is piercing the air, and you’ve just scanned your ID card. Or, maybe you’re one of those people that has made the walk of shame over to the desk to admit that, once again, you’ve forgotten your ID. No matter which situation you find yourself in, after it’s resolved, you’re faced with a dilemma: do I follow the rules and wash my hands, or just scurry around the corner and up the stairs?

You wash your hands. 

That’s what you do. You wash your hands to display respect for other students that have washed their hands. You wash your hands because we don’t know where your hands have been. You wash your hands because, at the end of the day, we’re in a global pandemic. ‘


And I know it’s a pain. I know maybe it will cause you to be 30 seconds late to that lesson that you really don’t want to miss. I know maybe you’ll have to sacrifice some of your socialization time. But I beg you, please wash your hands. 

We’re moving our way back to Tier 1. Pretty soon, this campus will return to its full capacity, an occurrence that hasn’t happened since that dreadful day on March 12th. It’s important that we’re together, not only for our social and mental wellbeing, but for the unity of our campus. 

It’s unity that’s kept us together–Zoom calls and breakout rooms. It’s unity that has kept us from all going insane throughout the many months that we’ve been unable to physically come together. 

And so this period of transitioning from Tier 2 to Tier 1 is pivotal. It’s a time for students to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. It’s a time for unifying a student body that as of now is divided by the last name they were designated at birth. 

It’s crucial that we take every step, every precaution, every opportunity to keep our campus as safe as possible. And that includes wearing a mask over your mouth and nose, keeping a distance, AND washing your hands when you enter the school. 

If that’s not enough to convince you: the water is warm. It’s heavenly on a cold morning. Try it.

Photo Credit: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Written by

Hannah Williamson

Hannah Williamson, junior, has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She is excited to be able to further her abilities through the publication. In her free time, she enjoys playing softball with her teammates and spending time with her family. Hannah’s favorite book is John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars.