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The Phoenix is Beginning to Rise

October 3rd, 2022 by Kenneth Abrahams

Mythology fans, along with Harry Potter devotees, are familiar with the legendary bird the Phoenix. As the legend goes, shortly before the Phoenix dies, it builds a nest and lights itself on fire and from the ashes a new Phoenix arises.

For almost three years, we have been witnessing and discussing the devastation of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This nasty virus has left a wide trail of destruction in its ever-changing path. First and foremost, is the incredible loss of life, that continues today. Although the number of deaths is now a fraction of what it was in the beginning of the pandemic, thanks to vaccinations, some level of herd immunity, and the weakening of the virus itself, it is still the third leading cause of death in the US for 2020 and 2021. It would seem the Phoenix had crawled into its nest and set itself on fire.

Although death is the most serious consequence, it is not the only form of devastation the virus foisted on us in the past 2 years. Children are still trying to dig themselves out of the crater that COVID shoved them into, academically as well as socially. Businesses have been irrevocably changed, some permanently shuttered, as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Companies are facing a labor shortage that has not been seen, as far as I know, in the 40+ years that I have been working. There is a new battle forming over wage structures for work from home versus work from office employees. Colleges and universities are facing a mass exodus, particularly in the areas of residence life and student activities, and fewer students are going into graduate schools to pursue those fields. Let’s not forget the ever growing mental health crisis as people’s mental health seems more fragile than many of us have ever witnessed.

So, yes, one could say there are still challenges to face and hills to climb but the fall of 2022 brings many signs that the Phoenix is once again rising. Out of the ashes a new beautiful bird with spectacular colors and plumage is beginning to occupy the nest.

Whether you agree with him or not, President Biden recently proclaimed the pandemic over. As he said, there are still issues with COVID but in his eyes the threat level has changed. This coming from a President that has been a staunch advocate for vaccines, boosters and masks. A leader that has put great stock into the opinions and recommendations of the CDC and experts like Dr. Fauci.  It is hard to argue with the Presidents observations. In person trade shows and conventions are once again filling hotel rooms, restaurants, and exhibit halls. Fewer people are wearing masks and planes are once again filled to capacity, often with few travelers masked.

Over the past two months, I too have observed a rebirth of sorts. Events are once again being filled by enthusiastic students. Some colleges are reporting record attendance at their events. Concert venues, both on and off campus, are filled not only with the sound of live music but also the cheers and cell phone flashlights of adoring fans. Homecomings and Family weekends are a beehive of activity as alumni, parents, family, and friends are being welcomed back with open arms. As in years past, our staff is having to turn people away at the end of events because the lines are too long to get everyone through. This was not really an issue at events in 2020 and 2021. 

Recently, I worked an event at a school that I have been to several times, one that faired very well during the pandemic. They have a President that supported the student affairs team well, and truly seemed to understand the vital role that those offices played in keeping students connected to the institution and helping to rebuild some of the community feel that COVID had damaged. Three things really struck me from that event. First, is the student that planned and organized the entire event. From the moment we met her, she was an absolute joy to work with. She had a plan in mind but unfortunately there were some issues with getting power to the locations where she wanted to place the photo stations. At no point did she panic or become distraught, the plan was changed, stations were moved, and no one that attended the event had any idea that the set-up had been moved from the original location. Attitude for me is important and it was hard not to like the friendly confidence that this student exhibited. At the end of the event, you could tell there were a wonderful mix of feelings; proud, tired, and sad it was all over. Four months of hard work and endless planning, on top of an incredible amount of time and effort were poured into an event that in 3+ hours was over. It was an event the whole team should be proud of. That was the first thing that I noticed. Second on the list, is the number of students that attended the event. Thirty minutes prior to the start time, a line formed. We stood there and watched it grow as it went down one side of the quad, past an academic building, and around the front of that building until we lost sight of it. It took a good chunk of time for the last people to pass by the registration table and enter the event. Despite the weather getting a bit cool that night, students stayed out. They crowded around the stage to hear friends perform or grab some of the swag that was being thrown into the crowd. Last but certainly not least, was the new member of the student activities staff that I ran into. To be fair, it is a person that I have known for several years as we worked together during her graduate school assistantship. What struck me was her incredibly positive enthusiasm for her new position, the office that she was in, her co-workers and supervisor, and the students that she worked with. There was nothing negative about how hard it was to work during the end of a pandemic. Just a true love for what she was doing and for those with whom she had the opportunity to share this journey.

If it was only one school or one event that I saw this happening at I wouldn’t be talking about a Phoenix rising from the ashes. Although I believe it would be a nice story, it wouldn’t be a game changer. As I work my way through the Fall, I am seeing more and more positive signs. Program boards being rebuilt, more students getting involved in clubs and organizations, involved students are again considering a career in the field of Higher Education, and those entering the field are exhibiting a passion and dedication that has been a hallmark of the profession for decades. Event attendees seem genuinely excited to be there and are loving the opportunity to connect with their fellow students, family, or co-workers. I am seeing some of that old spark, that old fun that has been missing for the past few years.

It is entirely possible, in more ways than one, we have turned a corner. Perhaps the Phoenix is making their ascent from the ashes. COVID is not gone and it will be here for the foreseeable future, but like the flu, which we deal with year after year, it can become manageable. There will more than likely be new strains and new viruses but for right now I want to take a breath and celebrate the events that I get to work and the people I get to meet and work with.

About the author

Ken Abrahams has been described by many as acerbic and sarcastic or just plain cranky. He started in the field as a student programmer at his Alma Mater, Connecticut College, and has had many jobs in the entertainment industry, including working with brides and their mothers to provide entertainment for their weddings. Let’s just say, he likes what he does now a whole lot more. For more of his thoughts and musings check out his previous blogs here.

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