BLOG: Adjusting to remote college life as a senior

EDITORS NOTE: 5/2/20 – Post has been updated to include a reflection blog by the author.

April 6, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has made quite an impact on everyone around the world. For me, as a senior in college, one of the biggest challenges I’m facing and trying to accept is that two weeks ago I had my last in-person class meeting and didn’t even know. 

It may sound minor, but you spend years of your life working so hard for something, and right when it’s about to come to an end, the last bit of that experience gets taken away from you out of nowhere. 

As a communication major, another big concern for me personally is the internship requirement that we have in order to graduate. I was supposed to do my internship over the summer, but people aren’t working right now, so I’m wondering if that’s going to hinder my ability to graduate on time. 

From an educational standpoint, my life has made a complete 360, but I’m doing my absolute best to adapt and keep reminding myself that this is only temporary. 

A few ways that I’m trying to adjust from going 100% face-to-face to 100% online is filling out my calendar and keeping better track of my assignments than I did prior to the outbreak. This is because I’ve been used to being reminded every week in person, but now it’s fully my responsibility to not forget.

I also told myself that I would check Blackboard daily and make sure I work on at least one class a day. There’s a lot of self- discipline that’s going to have to go into the remainder of the semester in order for me to be successful, but I’m up for the challenge. 

While a lot has changed in the last few weeks, it’s not all bad, and I think it’s important to focus on the positives when it feels like you’re drowning in negatives. For example, the extra time to myself is appreciated. 

I love the fact that I can sleep in as late as I want, and it’s really made me appreciate life, my friends and family. Life is short and this has been an eye-opening experience. I don’t think anyone is going to come out of this the same, and I think it could be a good thing.

May 2, 2020 

When COVID-19 first began to get serious my main concerns were how it would affect me graduating and being able to walk during commencement. 

I was also concerned with how I would be able to stay organized. This semester has by far been the most difficult one I have ever had, and I struggled through the majority of it because I am much more equipped for face-to-face classes. 

I am still in the unknown on how this may impact my graduation date, but I am trying to keep an open and positive mindset. 

As the weeks went on, I got better about staying on top of things, but it still has not been easy. With the madness going on in the world, it is hard to push myself and stay motivated. 

My takeaway from all of this though is even when things get tough you are strong enough to come out on the other side. Every college student faced a major obstacle this semester and being able to finish strong is something to be proud of. 

I learned that you cannot allow yourself to get detracted or discouraged because that is the easiest thing to do. It is hard to do but keeping a positive mindset and staying motivated has been the key to my success. 

I eventually learned somewhat of a routine and tried to stick with it as much as possible, while making sure to take time for myself when I felt it was necessary. 

Outside of schooling, I got outside and enjoyed nature as much as I can to make sure my mental health stays in a good place. My friends and I also grew much closer over these past few months. 

When all you have on your hands is time, you find yourself connecting more with those around you. I’m glad that this is almost over and I’m more than grateful that myself and those around me still have their health. 

I’m looking forward to life getting back to normal and there are definitely things I used to take for granted that I no longer will. We all pushed through.