It goes without saying, but it’s what we think about and talk about every day. The pandemic has changed things. We are all living and working much differently than a year ago. Also, we ask in the hope that someone has the answer, how long will this go on?

We see individuals stepping up in big and small ways, supporting their families, showing up for work, serving as first responders, and helping out friends and neighbors. Within the small community that is Humboldt State University, we see students working hard to follow safety rules and keep each other healthy. Our staff are going above-and-beyond to keep the campus functioning, and instructors are creating new and engaging approaches to deliver curriculum.

One of the many groups on campus that have shown impressive resilience and dedication are the student-athletes. What they are facing many do not see. What has been asked of all of them is incredible on one level, and insane on another; yet they are resilient and doing these things to learn, stay in school, and be amongst their teammates in a very supportive environment. Their team is their family away from home.

The student-athletes, like other HSU students, have had their college experience upended. They’ve also lost the years-long rhythm of conditioning, training, and competing in their sport, which began long before they came to college. For those families in Humboldt County with children who played sports, this will make sense. These students are driven. They are very good at what they do. They are scholars in the classroom. They are away from home. They no longer get to compete. They are under scrutiny at every turn. And all simply want to be with their teammates (family unit), learn from their coaches, and attend their classes. The usual energy and support of team camaraderie is no longer the same, though coaches and players are doing their best to keep it strong.

To top it off, the NCAA, the conference, and we here at HSU have thrown in additional expectations of student-athletes. In trying to meet the various expectations, we have put in place an extensive operations plan focused on education, reporting symptoms, screening and testing, procedures for returning to participation, and facility cleaning.

Now that student-athletes have been allowed to participate in limited conditioning and training on campus, they must conduct daily self-checks on health, including taking and reporting their temperature. They are then screened by an Athletics coach or staff member to get the day’s wristband, which gives them access to workout spaces and a few select athletics facilities. When they are in different areas of campus or the community, they are expected to closely follow face mask and social distancing rules. Breaking the rules means more than a warning, it means being sent home for the day and could lead to dismissal from the team.

Student-athletes must also agree to regular testing, as mandated by the state of California. And the time they can condition and practice with teammates is limited, as facilities can only accommodate half or one-third of the usual number of student-athletes.

All of this, and it’s very possible many of them won’t actually get to compete this year. This is dedication. Frankly, many of us wouldn’t subject ourselves to all these items.

I admit I’m not surprised that the response to all of this has been a determination to make it work. Our student-athletes regularly set a positive example for their peers and the community — in the classroom and in competition. Just last year, 86 Humboldt State student-athletes had a 3.4 grade point average or higher. They also gave more than 4,500 hours of community service. This fall, student-athletes have remained active in campus service, participating in a student coalition called the Voting Initiative Group and forming a new Student Equity and Equality Group. Remember, these are individuals who spend a great amount of time on a team bus traveling someplace — yet are still performing well in the classroom.

We are watching our students very carefully. We know that some may be struggling with the scope of challenges during these times, including the isolation, the change, the fires, the smoke, the stress, the cost, the fear, and the loneliness. These times are all weighing on them.

Our student-athletes are finding a way to succeed despite all the hurdles and challenges placed in front of them. As you recognize one of HSU athletes, please acknowledge them and welcome them. They are Californians. They are our children. They are our nephews and nieces, and brothers and sisters. They are Humboldt.

Be well.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr. is the president of Humboldt State University.