College students around the country have had their schooling realities change in a matter of days with the outbreak of Covid-19 spreading throughout the globe. To take precautions, several universities, public schools, and work establishments have closed down to prevent the virus from spreading to their communities. Many universities have informed their students that the basic curriculum will be switched to online and advise their students to move out of their on campus housing and socially distance themselves from home. As smart and cautious as this plan is, it comes with many challenges for students who attend college out of state or worse, out of country. Many college students who are financially independent rely on college housing options to save them money or work close to university along with being full time students. Being told to go back to their home states is stressful as it leaves many without a place to live or a place of employment.
The largest demographic of college students who are the most concerned with this sudden change are college seniors who planned to walk this Spring. Many seniors question whether commencement is even an option. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that any group gatherings over one hundred people should be cancelled during the Covid-19 outbreak to prevent anyone coming in contact with the infection. Although leaving campus and finishing the spring semester online is the best option for preventing the spread of Covid-19, it is understandable why so many students are frustrated with this sudden change in their academic lives, especially so close to the finish line of their degree journeys. In this difficult time, it is important to remember that as students, you are not alone. There are thousands of students currently going through this hardship with you and sharing in your disappointment. Another piece of advice towards spring semester seniors: it is more than okay to be disappointed. Graduating college is not an easy task. If it was, everyone would have degrees. Whether it took you four years or six or ten, graduation is a celebration of your hardwork and discipline. Not to mention the feeling of reflection that comes with experiencing your final month of being in college, going to class, and earning your undergrad. To have that taken away in a span of forty eight hours is hurtful. And coming from a second semester graduating senior: it sucks. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about being bummed that everything is changing way faster than planned.
Despite how lousy it feels to change your life around so quickly for a virus you most likely (hopefully) won’t ever contract, there are so many things to be thankful for in situations like these. Having a university that cares about the health and wellbeing of its faculty and students is a great thing. Sadly, there are people around the world still contracting the Covid-19 coronavirus who need care and attention right now, The best thing we as students can do is socially isolate ourselves, finish strong in our online classes, and send prayers and positive energy to those affected. Graduation will come, fellow seniors. So for now, try your best to adjust to the sudden changes. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay hopeful.