SPEAK OUT
What has your experience been like to start college during the pandemic?
Jordan Lujan, Northern Arizona University
“I was expecting my freshman college experience to be good and that I could go to parties and classes and meet people. I wanted to be able to interact with people that way and connect with them. I wish I didn’t have to meet people through Zoom; it makes me sad.”
Ixchel Marquez, University of Denver
“The start to my college experience during COVID-19, while different and scary, has been great so far. I feel like I’ve learned how to take things day by day and get a sort of peace in a way, that no one really knows what we’re doing and we’re all figuring it out. There’s some extra odd challenges to college at this time, but I feel like there’s also room for new, awesome experiences and flexibility to an extent. I feel like it’s a time to really focus on ourselves and make the most of our time. It’s a unique experience that, while maybe not ideal, we can really learn from it and grow. It can be something amazing if we let it be.”
Lauren Moore, Yale University
“Although my first-year college experience has been permanently framed by COVID-19, I don’t necessarily think that the pandemic has greatly hindered my time getting to know people or finding my place at Yale. We have found camaraderie through the quarantine, not in spite of it; I am enjoying my experience for what it is now, knowing that it will only get better from here.” COMPILED BY SENECA JOHNSON GENERATION NEXT
Avery Long, Yale University
“Starting college during a pandemic is simultaneously a breathtaking experience and a constant reminder of what could have been. Everything I knew has been replaced with novelty — new people, places and classes — but all in the shadow of those ever-present COVID rules. The world has thrown me into the deep end of adjustment and change; and while it hasn’t always been easy, I think I’ll be better because of it.”
Lauren Maestas-Chavez, New Mexico State University
“Starting college during the COVID-19 pandemic has been rather different from previous years of schooling; however, I’ve come to accept the new safety precautions and social distancing. I understand that we have an obligation to uphold when it comes to our own and other’s safety. Otherwise, online classes and dorm life have been enjoyable, but it’s important to stay on top of your work.”
Kyran Romero, Stanford University
“While it surely hasn’t been ideal, I am very glad that Stanford has gone to great lengths to try and make our first year as enjoyable as possible, while still adhering to health and safety restrictions. I was allowed to live on campus for the fall quarter, and I’m enjoying many of the new experiences college has to offer, even if they aren’t in their usual forms. I think loneliness is something that some freshman students are feeling (myself included), but the upperclassmen and staff are proactively trying to create fun and memorable virtual experiences.”