Dear Rollins community,
This is The Sandspur’s 2021 Orientation Issue—our first print newspaper in over a year and a half. We are excited to present it to you as new and returning students, faculty, and staff prepare for fall classes.
But it is still a bittersweet moment, a reminder of what we have lost and gained over the last two years.
Like many of you, we weren’t ready for the major shifts that COVID-19 demanded. With a small staff, time zone differences, and continents between us,—not to mention social unrest and a raging pandemic—publishing a paper seemed impossible and futile.
And yet. We wrote articles for our weekly digital newsletters. We participated in classes. We turned in final exams. Meanwhile, our peers in other organizations advocated for social and racial justice while maintaining their academic year to the best of their ability.
Rollins students proved that they are resilient. And now, this year, as the Delta variant shifts expectations, students are still committed to keeping one another safe while studying on campus and developing their passion and compassion.
Students, as you continue to mask up and get vaccinated, we are inspired by your commitment to one another.
But while you’re advocating for others, taking care of your family and friends, and preparing for classes, please remember to take care of yourself.
According to Deloitte Insights, 1 in 3 students reported having a mental health disorder last year, as responsibilities and obligations have compounded due to COVID-19.
This year seems as uncertain as the last. Your mental health is precious, and there are resources at Rollins to help you protect it.
In the meantime, The Sandspur will continue last year’s momentum. We will adapt to changes to the best of our ability. We will strive to bring you weekly, accurate news, be it in print or online.
Our editorial staff has attended summer training workshops to learn how to best inform you, the students—our top priority.
If you can, please make your voice heard this fall. Send us your writing. Send us your letters. Send us your photography. We welcome all members of the Rollins community and their individual voices.
Attend our recruitment meeting Sunday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m., or stop by our office in Kathleen W. Rollins Hall to find out more about who we are and why we’re here.
The Sandspur is here for you.
Sincerely,
Hannah Butcher
Editor-in-Chief
hbutcher@rollins.edu
Trinidee Mercado
Managing Editor
tmercado@rollins.edu
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