With widespread vaccination making the resumption of campus life possible, the “Getting Back to the Lehigh We Love” series highlights perspectives on what our community most looks forward to. Adrian Suarez ’22, a theatre major and global studies minor, shares.
What activities did you miss?
Playing sports (basketball, soccer & boxing) and going to live events (comedy & music).
What are you excited to do more of?
Because I'm fully vaccinated, I am beyond excited to go outside the confines of my house again and find a semblance of normalcy—from being in nature to playing sports with friends and going to live events. As someone who enjoys team sports like basketball and football, having the confidence that playing outdoors would not put me or my teammates at risk is a huge relief. I can now go back into the gym and start boxing again at a safe distance from my peers without the fabric of a mask weighing down on my nostrils and getting covered in sweat in the process (which felt like I grew a heavy beard out of nowhere that I can't seem to shave off).
Being vaccinated also calmed my nerves in terms of going back to live events. As a young stand-up comedian, I am glad I can safely book a ticket to watch comedy legends like Bill Burr, Gabriel Iglesias, and Bill Maher perform in the Windcreek Events Center just a couple of minutes away from my apartment.
Lastly, the vaccine shot gave me a reprieve that I don't think I've ever felt before: a sense that I survived a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. It's also the reason I'm getting my hair bleached with caramel highlights, getting a tribal forearm tattoo to connect to my Filipino roots, and getting my ears pierced as a symbol for how these pandemic years have pierced my heart to self-reflect and self-actualize.
-Adrian Suarez ’22, theatre major and global studies minor
What are you looking forward to most about returning to Lehigh in the fall? Share your responses with communications@lehigh.edu.