#ThankYou College Students

We would like to give a special shout out to college students, whose fall semesters look much different this year. We’re highlighting two groups of students — one at Springfield College, MA, and the other at the University of Delaware.

Aysia, Lindsey, and Amy are several weeks into their first semester of graduate school at Springfield College. Aysia is earning a Master’s Degree in Strength and Conditioning, and Lindsey and Amy are both working toward a Master’s in Occupational Therapy. They attend most of their classes online via Zoom, and for in-person labs, graduate students have learned how to properly apply and remove PPE for any possible close-contact. SC students are required to wear their masks at all times while being on campus, and all students are required to be tested for COVID-19 at least every other week.

Over at the University of Delaware, Thomas is an undergraduate Economics major. While he knows other students in majors such as nursing who attend in-person labs, he and his housemates live in their own bubble in an off-campus house from which they take all virtual classes. They are required to wear masks in public spaces such as the gym and food court, and must fill out daily questionnaires to be granted access to those common areas. As different and strange as this semester feels, Thomas recalls the unique difficulty of attending class from home last spring after his university abruptly closed. With his parents and siblings also working or learning virtually at home, it was often difficult just to find a quiet place to concentrate!

We appreciate our college students across the country who are adapting to the challenges that continue to unfold. Wishing you the best of luck on your fall semesters. Stay safe!