Such are the Good Times

Harry Scherer
Class of 2022

(9/2020) The strangeness of these times is palpable; you’ve probably been told. These times are unprecedented; you’ve probably been told. We’re all just going day by day; you’ve probably been told.

As we begin this new semester and new academic year, I am comforted by the words of St. Augustine: "Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well and times shall be good. We are the times: such as we are, such are the times."

I do not see these holy sentiments of hope as out-of-touch words, separated from reality but full of rhetorical strength. On the contrary, the statement finds its strength in its truth. Our lived experience confirms this impulse; when something unfavorable happens to us or to a friend, do we ponder this occurrence or the "times"? One should confirm that the former is the case. This response does not suggest an inordinate selfishness or a self-centered lack of concern for that which occurs around us. Instead, it confirms that the "times" about which we are always so concerned are perpetually formed by our lived experience and that of everyone around us.

Many times, I have a tendency to separate this reality of lived experience from the dark and gloomy reality of the "times", an invisible entity that is constantly prepared to pounce and disintegrate my tranquility. Unfortunately, I would venture to guess that my perception is common among my peers, especially for these times which are so often viewed as "bad" and "hard."

It is with the attitude that "we are the times" that my friends and I begin this junior year. Connected to this attitude is the sincere hope that we are able to complete this semester on campus. A shared anxiety and fear that we will be sent off campus seems to affect all of us, to varying degrees. Many conversations among friends, acquaintances and strangers occur during which a prediction is offered about the nature of our fall semester. It is certainly unfortunate that this concern is so common, especially for the majority of us who are in the position of receiving news instead of delivering it. In addition to the common cares of classes, relationships and family back home, we are mentally affected by the possibility that the spring semester will repeat.

From those to whom I have spoken about the subject, few are concerned about contracting the virus. This lack of concern is expected and seems to be warranted, especially because the virus seems to leave our generation unharmed, with exceptions. At the very least, they are more concerned about the individual and social effect of receiving a positive test result. The primary effect is the relegation to an isolated state for approximately 14 days. For many, a positive test result will mean an assignment to isolation without the psychological comfort of actual symptoms of sickness.

Even with these policies and regulations, the common consensus among those on campus is a general relief to be back in Emmitsburg. The delight of seeing old and new faces, developing and sticking to a rigorous schedule of academics and extracurriculars and having the opportunity to sit and talk with friends is a joy that we were not able to experience for the past five months. Perhaps we would not appreciate these delights so much if they had not been taken from us so rapidly and without any warning.

As my peers and I start to hear of cases and communications with contact tracers, we are all concerned that our full participation in campus life this semester will be hindered. I am sorry for all those for whom this is already the case. We have been repeatedly warned that participation in off-campus events like parties will only harm our ability to continue life as we have slowly become accustomed to on campus. Many students will not be happy with those who decide to leave campus and go to a party; as one of my friends put it, "I’m not having fun at the party and I’m getting sent home!"

This semester, we are all either learning or being taught the necessity of trusting and relying on our peers to achieve a similar end. In other words, we are being reminded of the importance of defending and always keeping our eyes on the common good. This insistence on the common good is not a communistic preoccupation with the collective over the individual, but a solemn recognition that the goals of the individual will be fulfilled most effectively when they are attempted to be accomplished through the lens of the group. This year, we are being told to wear masks, physically distance ourselves from others and limit group activities. While factors like external optics and liability are certainly present and significant, it seems that all of these guidelines have been offered with the goal of staying on campus for the duration of the semester.

Of course, it should be noted that this article was written on the 19th of August. Much could potentially change between the time it was written, the time of publication and the few months between the former and the end of our fall semester. Much can happen that will inevitably affect our relationship with God, each other and the ways in which view ourselves. This possibility for growth is exciting, especially for college students. Sometimes, it seems that the practical consequences of embarking on the journey in search of this potential growth are too much to bear. I see this uncertainty as the time during which sacrifice enters into our individual and collective minds. While very little about this semester will fit into our plans or our desires, "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). While this good might not seem evident to our eyes right now, I am of the firm belief that, by the grace of God and by our response to this grace, we shall see the Good in His full glory.

Read other articles by Harry Scherer