Staff Report | Q&A compiled by multimedia journalism classes

Freshman Mayzee Coots is a social work major from Jonesboro.

Sophomore Christopher Crutchfield is a music education major from North Little Rock.

Senior Hallie Henderson is a biology major from Bono.

Q: Have you taken a COVID-19 vaccine? Why or why not, which one?

Coots: I got the Pfizer vaccine. I got my vaccine more for the sake of others than myself. My family hasn’t been able to have a large gathering since before
the pandemic and we are all anxious to be together again. I get the flu shot every year to try and lesson the impact of the flu, so to me this is the same concept.

Henderson: Yes, I have taken the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. I took it because I believe in science and the importance of protecting the vulnerable and susceptible individuals of our population.

Crutchfield: Yes, I want to make sure I am able to stay safe around family. I trust that I’ll be alright from the vaccine.

Q: Have you or someone you know had COVID-19? If yes, who and how did it affect them?

Coots: Myself and my family all got COVID in December. My sister, dad, and I didn’t have any symptoms whatsoever but my mom is a diabetic. She had an increase in her sugar and the symptoms of a sinus infection. 

Henderson: Yes, I have had the virus myself, as have several people in my immediate family. It made me extremely lethargic with a high fever and stomach distress. For my dad, it gave him a moderate fever, a sore throat, and extreme fatigue.

Crutchfield: Yes, many of my close friends and family have gotten COVID. It affected everyone differently.

 Q: Will you continue to wear a mask even though it’s no longer state mandated? Why or why not?

Coots: I plan on continuing to wear a mask, at least until I am fully vaccinated. I will more than likely continue to wear my mask even after I get my second dose, especially in large crowds, or when I am in close quarters with people I’m not normally around, but mostly to make anyone else wearing a mask feel more comfortable, but also to hopefully continue to do my share to help stop the spread of COVID. 

Henderson: Yes, I will continue to wear my mask even though the mandate is lifted. Even though I have had my vaccines, there is still a lot we have to learn about the effectiveness of the vaccine and of the virus itself. I feel that it is best to take precautions to do what I can to prevent spreading it any further until we have more information.

Crutchfield: For the most part yes. In the fall I more than likely will not because I’ll be fully vaccinated by then.

Q: Are you ready for all on-campus classes next semester?

Coots: I do not think all on-campus classes are ideal, I think there should still be a zoom option for most classes, just for those who are being cautious still. However, I have signed up for all in-person classes for next semester and am looking forward to the personal connections I fear I missed out on this year. 

Henderson: Extremely ready! I am an extremely social person and the quarantine has really put things into perspective and made me grateful to have face-to-face interactions with people. I have missed my instructors and fellow classmates and am ready to be in full swing again!

Crutchfield: Yes! I learn better in person anyway.

Categories: Life