Interviews compiled by Kelly Kennedy & Maria Thomas.
Dylan Cabrita, Freshman
Computer Science Major
How was your experience being vaccinated?
My experience was great overall. It is a very quick experience for each dose. The second dose provides most people with some side-effects, but it is nothing too bad. I simply had a very slight headache and a mild fever.
Do you recommend your fellow Jasper community to get vaccinated?
I would recommend that anyone get any of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible; With the recent rise in cases on campus and in the general area, it is becoming more and more difficult for the school to stay open as well as stressful for students and faculty to be here. Personally, the constant new measures taken by the school for our safety have added a great deal of additional stress on top of my normal challenges as a student. If everyone gets the vaccine, Manhattan College would become the fun, enlightening and special place that we all came here for.
Do you believe that it is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, why?
I believe it is very important to get the COVID-19 vaccine. It will protect you as well as all of the people around you that you love and care about. It is at no cost other than a mild headache and sleepiness for a little bit. It is definitely worth it to save yourself as well as those you love.
Shirali Patel, Sophomore
Computer Engineering Major
How was your experience being vaccinated?
It was really good. All the workers were really nice. It was quick, efficient, and they’re really compliant with everything. I’ve qualified through working for the school gym, because it’s like a high exposure environment, and I just wanted to like, take that extra stride and like have that protection.
Do you recommend your fellow Jasper community to get vaccinated?
I definitely recommend it, I feel like it’s good for yourself and protecting others like herd immunity? It’s a good thing to do for both yourself and the campus community as a whole.
Do you believe that it is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, why? I think it’s really important to get the COVID-19 vaccine because not only are you protecting yourself, but you’re protecting people around you. And it could really save a life or a couple thousand lives by getting the vaccine.
Michele Saracino
Religious Studies Professor
What courses are you currently teaching?
RELS 110: The Nature and Experience of Religion RELS 216: Saints and the Catholic Imagination
How was your experience being vaccinated?
I got vaccinated both times in the Bronx. It was well organized and for the most part people seemed really grateful for the opportunity. Standing on line was a communal event, which brought together people from all walks of life. I will always remember it.
Do you recommend your fellow Jasper community get vaccinated? Yes, if their physicians deem it appropriate.
Do you believe that it is important to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, why? Yes, so we can protect ourselves and others and get back to the business of our everyday lives–doing the things that make our lives meaningful and in some instances bring us joy. Our friends, families, colleagues, and most importantly here at MC, the students depend on a safe environment in which to live and learn.