Commentary: My college students seem to have lost their drive to engage. The pandemic has wounded all of us

I teach college, and recently had an overwhelming sense of sadness.

It was the last class of the semester. When I said goodbye to my students, I sat alone in my office with the door closed. I took a deep breath and sighed, mentally worn out and emotionally uncertain.

Can we ever be the same?

We have all experienced our own doubts and worries during the pandemic, questioning what we need and want, contemplating what’s truly important, searching for hope.