The world came to a complete stop and everyone's home became their safe place. In March 2020, the coronavirus made many Americans scared and afraid to even grocery shop.

At home, people are working, becoming cooks, teachers and caregivers. For many Americans, this is the new normal. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for a year now. We find ourselves still living through this storm and finding ways to adapt to the impact the virus has had on our lives. 

Many students have faced challenges this past year with campuses shutting down and classes moving online. Most students now only see their teachers on platforms like Zoom, if at all.

For many, the vaccines offer the first glimmer of hope in a long time.

The Stater spoke to some students at CSU to find out how they felt about the vaccines. 

• “I don't know the science, I do know we have vaccines to combat against many deadly illnesses, I hope we can add this one to the list,” junior Lucia Rosace said.  
• “I am in no rush to get the vaccine only because I have been mainly staying at home where I can do both work and school," Rosace added. "I know that there are others that need it first, my risk of exposure has been minimal. I think that if the opportunity were to arise, I would probably get it though, down the line.”
• “I think that the vaccine is a great accomplishment," junior Lily Lamotte said. "I plan on getting it eventually. It's really hard to get an appointment for it right now so I'm waiting till things calm down."
• “I am going to get the vaccine when it is available to me," junior Emily Hetrick said. "I feel that the vaccine should be more accessible to people who need it like essential workers.”
  “I hear that they have a system they are going by for age," Hetrick continued.” "But I have not heard of anyone under the age of 75 that has received it yet that does not work in a hospital, or knows someone in a hospital. I just wish it could be given out quicker."
• “I was offered the vaccine and did not get it the first time around. I am considering getting it now that I know the side effects, what to expect, and when to contact a doctor," junior Ke'Asia Wagner said. "I am going to be a nurse, and just because I can fight this easily, doesn’t mean every client I have will be able," Wagner said. "Then on a personal level, I would never want to get my grandparents or younger siblings sick when I had the option to take preventative measures."

Most CSU students do not yet have a timeline on when they will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Currently, the state of Ohio is only doing vaccinations for those 65 years and older, some at-risk groups and K-12 teachers and employees. Governor Mike DeWine has announced that the state is setting up a network of pop-up mass vaccination sites, the first of which will open next week.