Even though the repetitive rising and falling of cases can feel like a never-ending sequence, it’s important to remain optimistic. Eventually, Phil Connors escapes his predicament and returns home a better person than the egotistical, pessimistic self he left behind. His desperate (and failed) attempts at evading his fate teach him a valuable lesson about accepting life for what it is without letting his ego get in the way. 

As COVID cases in New York begin to take a much-needed nosedive, freedom from COVID restrictions appears to be just around the corner. When we finally leave the pandemic in our past, we will emerge a more resilient people, weathered by the difficult time but stronger because of it. In the past two years, many of us have gained a deeper understanding of our own identities and how they fit into the broader world, and this is a beautiful outcome of a painful experience. There is always hope to be found if we look hard enough. 

Whether we get six more weeks of winter or an early spring (Ed. Note:  Looks like six more weeks!), we are headed towards a safer, healthier, and happier spring. Happy (belated) Groundhog Day, Redhawks!