OPINION: Democrats Discuss — Athens is our home, let’s start acting like it

Megan Gale is a sophomore studying special education. She is a member of the Ohio University College Democrats. The following article reflects the opinions and views of the author and does not represent the thoughts of the Ohio University College Democrats.

This is a submitted column. Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.

Ohio University students started moving into residence halls for spring semester on Jan. 13. With their arrival came long lines to bars and streets filled with maskless people. 

Athens County is the fourth poorest county in Ohio. Citizens of Athens cannot afford to take off work to recover from COVID-19. Students who attend the university need to realize that when they go out to bars or don’t wear their masks properly, they are actively endangering the people of Athens County. 

In 2018, Ohio U was one of the top 100 employers in Ohio. The residents of Southeast Ohio that work for the university need students to attend so they can stay employed, and if the university sends people home because COVID-19 cases get too high, people will lose their jobs. Students need to take responsibility for their role in the greater community and realize that going out is detrimental to the wonderful city and county they get to call home. 

Small businesses are a major part of what makes Athens so special, and when COVID-19 cases arise due to irresponsible students, places we love — like Bagel Street Deli and Ginger — suffer. It is imperative that Ohio U students understand the impact they have on the everyday lives of the citizens of Athens County, and even Southeast Ohio at large. 

If students want to be able to always call Ohio U home, they need to protect it now. Ohio U has offered many people the best years of their life. To carry on the Bobcat legacy, students need to be responsible and give back to the city that has given them so much. 

Right now, many students are not taking into consideration how their actions directly impact what makes Athens so unique. 

Take responsibility and protect Athens by wearing your mask. If we don’t take precautions now, the small businesses in Athens might close, and future generations of Bobcats may never know the joy of leaving a tinfoil figurine at Bagel Street Deli or experience studying at Donkey Coffee during finals. 

Students aren't the only people who have been negatively affected by the pandemic. The people who live in Athens County and Southeast Ohio suffer when the university doesn't have students and when they are forced to close small businesses because of a COVID-19 outbreak. 

Athens needs the university and the university needs Athens. 

So please wear a mask. Be responsible and understand that your actions have consequences. Socially distance and help Athens survive this pandemic. Continue to support small businesses and support the people of Athens by making a conscious decision to put the wellbeing of Athens over your own selfish need to have fun and go to bars.