An Unforgettable First Year

Elon University (Photo by Catherine Nester)

I think we can agree that the last couple of weeks have been pretty insane. Many of us have had to travel home, cancel long-awaited plans and adapt to new online learning. 

For a lot of freshmen, being at college was their first time away from home. Their first year was supposed to be a time to experiment and try new things. For most, because of the COVID-19 outbreak, this will be an unforgettable first year of their college experience. 

We recently had the opportunity to speak with three first-year students to hear about how their college experience has turned upside down.

Citlalli Salazar had been planning to spend her spring break at home with her family. “I was really looking forward to relaxing and taking care of myself,” she said.

Isaias Reyes-Martinez and Jennifer Morales also had plans of their own. While Reyes-Martinez planned on doing employee training and taking a trip to the mountains with friends, Morales had plans to visit her grandparents in Florida.

However, these plans took a pause when the first email from Jon Dooley, Elon’s vice president of student life, was sent. 

“When Dooley sent out the first email, I was disappointed that I’d have to lose the in-person teaching environment,” said Morales. “It was upsetting to learn that the pandemic would alter my experience as a first-year student at Elon.” 

These three students all mentioned that it has been difficult to focus on classes after the transition to online learning. Elon was a space that allowed for students to learn and collaborate easily with one another. It provided an atmosphere that our rooms at home do not compare to. 

Bye for now, Elon. Don’t worry, we’ll be back! (Photo by Catherine Nester)

Salazar said it has been especially difficult for her. “I’m having a hard time because I tend to get distracted very easily, especially now being home where my siblings or mom are making noise. I have a lot of distractions at home, which makes it very hard to focus,” she said. 

As of now, the date to return to Elon has extended to April 29, 2020. Now, with each email extending the return date, students are getting a bit more comfortable at home. 

“I will continue to just try and continue to keep on top of things,” Martinez said. “I just didn’t imagine my spring semester to take this turn.”

Unfortunately, many students believe there is no possibility of returning back to campus anytime soon. 

While certainly a defining moment in history, this change in plans is hard for many first-year students to accept. “My first-year at Elon is one that I will never forget, and unfortunately it may not all be for the best of reasons,” Morales said.

Remember to stay safe and healthy during this trying time and to abide by the authorities that are working to keeping us safe. Let us also remember that there will be a time to make up for those experiences we missed out on.