Health Vs. Academia
The COVID-19 Virus Need To Be Taken Seriously
For over two years the world has been ravaged by the biological threat known as COVID-19. Which caused the impact that school used to have on students to deteriorate.
COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed as students return. Students are urged to stay home if they’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, but students still come to school regardless of symptoms.
It’s no surprise, as hollow education from online teaching coupled with pre-existing pressure to achieve more has pushed students to prioritize academics over well-being. A Pew-Research article shows that virtual-learning caused about two-thirds of K-12 parents to worry about their children’s education, which caused students to return in-person for better enrichment.
Additionally, another Pew-Research article shows about 59% of teens plan to attend a four-year college which has contributed to grade-obsession. These factors have caused serious stress on many high school students when it comes to returning in-person.
Naturally, when high schoolers express COVID-19 symptoms, they still come to school. This can only continue to spread the COVID-19 virus. But what makes the spread of COVID-19 even worse is the low vaccination rate among teenagers. According to the CDC, “as of July 31, 2021, coverage with ≥ 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine among adolescents aged 12-17 years old was 42%.”.
Grade-obsession and low vaccination rates among students in the U.S. has led to the withering of health. Students need to prioritize health over academia. By taking the time to care more about health rather than grades, you will not only benefit yourself but those around you as well.
