Enjoying college despite COVID
We are now almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. Life has changed for all of us and that is especially true for our students, including those who are deciding if and how to pursue higher education. Universities had to make the decision to welcome students back to classes, switch to online learning or a combination of both. The fall semester was full of challenges for returning students and incoming first-year students, who certainly had pictured a different college experience for themselves.
Bridges’ services have continued virtually throughout this year. Many high school seniors are completing their FASFAs, writing personal essays, researching and applying for scholarships, and gathering all the materials each college requires, all while working hard to complete their online schooling.
Interestingly, current restrictions have opened up opportunities in higher education in unique ways. For example, it has not always been easy for students to visit colleges, especially out of state, but this year, universities offered virtual campus tours and panel discussions to give students information to make their college choices. In addition, SAT and ACT tests became optional, which has been a relief for many students who can instead put their efforts towards highlighting their strengths and life experiences in their application essays and resumes.
The pandemic has affected students’ choices around college admissions and attendance. Some students are choosing to apply to college, and then defer for one year, while some are choosing to take a year off to pursue other opportunities before committing to college. And there are students attending classes this semester, either completely online, on campus or hybrid learning, eagerly awaiting to find out what their next semester will be like.
When we checked in with some Bridges alumni in their respective programs, we received a variety of responses, giving us a glimpse into the experience of college students during a pandemic. One Bridges alum, who is a third-year student at UNM, attends classes remotely while living at home, and is finding this semester especially hard. Managing family, relationships and rigorous classes is overwhelming and becoming barely manageable. This is the case for many students, and we encourage anyone who is struggling to seek outside support and take care of themselves, knowing that they are doing the best they can.
When we caught up with Bridges alumna Kona Mirabal, she was understandably disappointed and concerned when it was announced that all classes would be online. She said she was close to giving up, but then told herself, “I have worked way too hard to give up.” She went on to say that her passion for her goals has never been stronger and she credits the challenges of the pandemic for clarifying that.
Former Bridges client Zoey Birdsong attends college out of state and lives in a residence hall.
Although it’s been a good college experience so far, it has not been without challenges. Zoey said “I was scared and almost took a gap year, but I worked through that fear” with the help of Bridges. Zoey described the university’s COVID19 protocols, which include social distancing, in-person and online learning, and one-fourth of the university population being tested every week. Overall, Zoey feels that it’s been a relatively normal first semester – making new friends and enjoying classes.
Bridges continues to support students even after enrolling in college. Navigating college can be overwhelming during a “normal” year, but the numerous challenges of this year has proven to be exceptionally difficult. If you are currently enrolled in college or are in the process of applying and need support, please contact us at (575) 758-5074 or info@bridgesproject.org.