With a reported 60% of adults in the US have received at least one vaccine shot, the media has been quick to remind the nation that this isn’t time to let up. While that is certainly true and CDC guidelines should still be followed, students should also use this summer to rest and recover from an academic year filled with heightened anxiety and uncertainty.

Over the past year, students have had to adjust to a new hybrid way of going to class, an increase in fully online classes, a lack of a spring break, COVID-19 restrictions on campus, an ever polarizing socio-political climate and fewer opportunities for social interaction both on and off-campus. All of this goes along with a college environment that national research shows already causes depression or anxiety in one out of five students. Due to there being no vaccine last summer, most students weren’t able to recuperate as they typically would between the Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 semesters either.

The CDC recently advised that those who are vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or practice social distancing in most indoor or outdoor settings. With vaccines largely available in North and West Texas and several venues and businesses reopening both in Wichita Falls and beyond, there’s little stopping Mustangs from taking these months to relax and recharge in a fun and safe way before Fall 2021.

In the spirit of recuperation, The Wichitan will be taking its summer break after the release of this summer issue until the beginning of the upcoming fall semester. The staff will take this time to improve and discuss changes to make The Wichitan an even better source of news and entertainment for MSU students next semester.