Confusion, uncertainty and despair has given way to clarity, a defined timeline and renewed hope. While COVID jabs have administered vital injections of the vaccine, the Government's roadmap out of lockdown has provided a much-needed dose of optimism. We now know where we stand, we know where we're headed and we know how and when we're getting there.
The return to the classroom on March 8 is a date we can all now look forward to. Getting back on campus, back learning with other students in a welcoming and familiar environment is key to capitalising on the hard work put in by students throughout the enforced ‘stay at home' period.
Those long months of lockdown which saw the college pivot to a remote learning model showcased students' adaptability, resilience and a willingness to go the extra mile – all positive character traits that will stand them in good stead throughout their future careers.
Keeping their education on track during lockdown has been the goal, and it is a challenge that has been met and, in many cases, surpassed. It's been an incredibly difficult period but also one that has been particularly rewarding.
It may not feel like it right now but it could well be that in years to come we will look back at this period and realise just how important it has been in terms of defining us as characters, accelerating technological change and shaping the way we do things for generations to come.
As we head into the final term this is a fresh start, a chance for students to make the most of the opportunities provided by face-to-face learning alongside their peers back in the classroom.
It's great to be back but we all need to stay vigilant. COVID-19 has not gone away and the only way we can continue the progress we have made in recent weeks and months is by following the guidelines and not letting our standards, or our masks, slip.
Let's stay positive, play our part and do all we can to keep ourselves, our friends and our families safe.
If we all do that then we can enjoy the benefits set out in the Government's roadmap out of lockdown and enjoy a summer free of restrictions while starting to once again live a normal life.
The directions have been put into the sat nav. The stop-off points have been agreed. Now's the time to get the engine started and begin our journey into an exciting future, free from COVID and full of fresh opportunity.
