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image by University Communications

On May 1st of each year, high school seniors from around the country are expected to commit to a college or university. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic, many students had their plans either changed, prolonged, or halted in their entirety. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro was one of the few schools in the UNC system that remained open during the Covid-19 pandemic allowing first-years the opportunity to live on campus. A few students shared their experience of transitioning from high school to college amidst the setbacks. 

For almost all of the high school class of 2020, the spring of senior year was unexpected. With classroom instruction turned online mid-March to the cancellations of sports seasons and proms, many seniors could never have imagined how this “extended spring break” would shape their last year. Many disappointed students concluded their high school careers with virtual and drive-thru graduations, while some participated in in-person, socially distanced events. High school seniors will typically make their college decision before graduation. However, with the uncertainty, the pandemic provided many students’ original plans to change. This happened to Lynette Jimenez, a first-year commuter student, as she anticipated attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall of 2020. 

“Before Covid, I actually planned on going to a completely different school than UNCG, and then with the pandemic and everything happening since everyone was so unsure of how it was going to turn out I decided to stay home.”

Lynette Jimenez class of ’24

With high school now a thing in the past, many students trekked for the journey ahead: Orientation. Usually, an overnight event,  freshman orientation known as S.O.A.R.  took place in two sessions: one online event over the summer and another on campus after moving in. For many, this would be the first glimpse of undergraduate life in a pandemic. First-years learned about campus resources like the Speaking and Writing Center. Nevertheless, reminders of the current reality through hand sanitizer stations scattered around campus and online tutorials explaining “How to Properly Wash Your Hands” understandably altered the experience. Students were gifted with lanyards and planners in addition to face coverings and blue-and-gold candy to sweeten the deal.  

Although the university was up and running, instruction had not yet returned to complete normalcy. With the fall semester in full swing, the university hosted roughly 50% of classes on a fully digital or hybrid format. Many first-year students moved on campus because they had registered for in-person instruction, only to have their schedules moved online after their arrival. This exact scenario occurred with Sophia Woody, a first-year honors student that described how her Buddhism class (get the real name) scheduled to meet in person, but promptly changed to an asynchronous format as the semester continued. 

“I did not get to know my professor at all. It was originally supposed to be in-person so I only got to go to two classes…and the only other time I got to see my teacher was at the (online) final exam review meeting and only three people showed up. ” 

 Shifting to an online setting has been difficult for many students as many distractions don’t necessarily arise in the classroom. Along with this issue, many first-years have lacked the opportunity to engage with other students and faculty like they would if attending lecture halls two or three times a week. 

“It’s a lot less personal when you’re through a computer screen and you’re not able to build that connection with your professors if you’re struggling in the class or you just need some extra support." -Sophia Woody class of '24

 With fewer social gatherings, it has also been a struggle for first-years to feel included in campus life. Many events that would have taken place in person have either been switched on Zoom or canceled. Although the digital events are there, many lack the same appeal as those being engaged with face-to-face. Although in-person events can be hard to find, a small number of students have managed to get involved around campus through different clubs. It may just take a little willpower and ambition, something we have all struggled with being in isolation. Jay Doshi, a first-year and member of the club tennis team, noted how the players maintain social distancing and enjoy the game saying, “It’s one of those things where if you really want to get involved you can…it’s just harder for students, in my opinion, finding the motivation nowadays just ‘cause it’s so difficult to stare at a screen for hours on end.” 

“I’m a freshman so coming in, this is all we had. This is sort of the bar.”

Jay Doshi class of ’24

He is currently ranked no. 1 seed on the club tennis team and shows no signs of stopping during the pandemic. Doshi is also planning to start a mock-trial club in Fall 2021 that will meet in person, another option for those looking to stay involved on campus. 

Despite all of the shortcomings, first-years have managed to make UNCG home and have high hopes for the sophomore year. Thankfully, it has been reasonably said that professors and faculty have been accommodating during this season of change. From registering for in-person classes and anticipating a better social life to hoping the dining hall will be open on a regular schedule, first-year students at UNCG are thankful for the experience but are ready to move forward. 

article written by Naomi Pridgen