Features
What’s student life like during a pandemic? By Annemarie Mountz There is nothing “normal” or “routine” about this academic year. Because of the pandemic, this fall has been different from any other, with some classes being in-person or mixed mode and some remote; the need to wear masks and observe social distancing; and the restrictions on gatherings. When “Back to State” plans were announced on June 14, some at the University wondered whether students – and first-year students in particular – would come to campus this fall to learn in such an altered environment, or opt to take a “gap semester.” In the College of Education, the freshmen came. Penn State’s official fall enrollment figures show College of Education undergraduate enrollments are up for the fifth straight year, and are almost 12 percent higher than in 2016. “We are grateful to our students and are working hard to earn the trust they put in us to deliver an excellent education regardless of delivery mode during this pandemic,” said Dean Kimberly A. Lawless. Some of our freshmen shared how they are navigating college during a pandemic, and ways they are finding to have fun. Here are snippets of their stories, in their own words:
Angie Busch It was my dream to come to Penn State after hearing all my dad’s stories about his time as a student. It’s obviously hard for everyone to adjust, but I make sure to do my part because I don’t want to leave the happiest place on Earth. With all the protocols in place, I have been able to explore a lot of campus with my roommate. We have found a good group of friends to hang out with in a socially distant manner. We aren’t going to let this virus ruin our time here.
Nya Cherry This fall is different just for the fact that I thought I would be living on the University Park campus. I keep in touch with friends on Zoom and join in on virtual activities including games and movies with other Penn State freshmen. Physical activity is important for me so I work out to my favorite blogilates and YouTube videos outside of class. Also, this past summer, I read to my kindergarten neighbor, Sophia, to keep up with her reading, listening and comprehension skills. 4
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Tommy Doughty Since I have one class in person per week, things are a little different. But I’ve been able to adapt and so far at Penn State I have been having a great time. Since this is my first college experience, it’s weird. However, we have to make the most of it, and I am only here for four years so I have been trying to maximize the amount of people I meet. I have learned over the years that positivity is key, and that even though our classes aren’t in person, there is still tons of fun to be had at Penn State.
Alyssa Galban This pandemic is making college turn into something I never pictured it would be, but I understand that wearing masks and social distancing is my responsibility and the only way we can get back to a “normal” college experience. My friends and I always wear masks and be sure to keep our activities outside. We often play cards on the HUB lawn, go hiking at the Arboretum or just picnic.
Anna Greatti Even during a pandemic, I think we are still getting the basics of a college experience. We are still experiencing that new sense of freedom and new responsibilities that are experienced by freshmen every year. It is disappointing that we cannot meet with some clubs in-person, because that was something I was looking forward to. It is also disappointing that I have not met as many people as I would have in another year, but I still think I have made some good connections given the circumstances. The RAs of my dorm planned a socially distant tiedye event, which was really fun. Overall, I think there are still a lot of fun things to do on campus.
Valarie Hibbard Building relationships on Zoom is certainly manageable, albeit more challenging, but being in person provides me with the opportunity to make face-
