Additional reporting by Noemi Vargas
It’s no shock that this pandemic has led to an overwhelming change across America, especially when it comes to education. College campuses are quickly trying to adapt to this new, unusual setting, and many high school students are questioning the prospect of going to college in the first place. There are doubts that paying more than 20,000 dollars a year would be a waste of time, that virtual learning is simply a mediocre and inferior version of the real college experience. Thankfully, students who graduated from high school gave real insight on their personal experiences and feelings during this crazy ride.
The Class of 2020 is starting their freshman year behind the computer. This includes Matthew Pimental who is a freshman at SDSU. Despite the barriers of virtual learning, Matthew believes that he can still manage the limitations of it. “I think I’ve already adapted. Everything is now online, so it feels like there is no choice but to adapt.” He also attempted to do extracurricular activities, which would be a dream for some students who don’t have time to do luxuries they care about. “My schedule is in a way so that I don’t have classes on Friday. So I filled up that free time with clubs.”
Another freshman, who will be anonymous, is also going through this rollercoaster ride of COVID. Like Matthew, the anonymous freshman found virtual learning to be a bearable experience. They actually found it an effective way of learning, which is contrary to some belief. “I’m learning way more than I thought I would be, and getting way more experience than expected.” Online learning allowed them to make quality friendships and make bonds with their classmates. Unfortunately, extracurricular activities are out of the book, and his schedule is too drained with classes to study. “I’m not trying to do them, simply put. It’s time consuming with classes as it is.”
Keith Vasquez, a student in CSUEB, is actually optimistic despite the present circumstances. There are definitely limitations to his learning without the benefits of face-to-face, but he is still working hard and persevering. Keith believes he’s okay, and although virtual learning made his workload massive, he does have the support of his teachers who understand the troublesome nature of this time — so his teachers are a bit lenient, giving students more time to turn in assignments.
Emma Surdilla is another James Logan alumni — she is currently in UCLA. She feels stressed and lonely — her direction to her future is still uncertain, and COVID couldn’t enable her to explore her options on campus, where clubs and activities were supposed to be abound. The pandemic caused a real toll on her motivation and focus, which is an all-too common sight during virtual learning — it’s no wonder that she’s struggling with her classwork. “Keeping up with my school work isn’t as easy as before,” she concerningly said.
Students who are thinking about joining college will wonder about the professor’s ability to teach the material. Students go to college to learn; Matthew, however, is leaning on a tightrope when it comes to this claim. “For the most part, my professors have been doing a good job so far. I do have this one professor who everyone, myself included, doesn’t like the way he teaches.” Virtual learning can be a mixed bag based on how the professor teaches a particular subject. The anonymous student said that virtual learning doesn’t compete against face-to-face learning in quality. “Doesn’t everyone want to come back?” they asked, assuringly.
Some students are apprehensive of regret . . . and for good reason. You don’t want to waste precious money to have a dull and unfulfilling experience due to the learning environment. It might not be worth four years for some, but not to Matthew Pimental. “Education wise, I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. It’s just in a different way than what people are used to.” Matthew is still confident that he will complete his education with a bachelor’s degree — and he’s not alone. The anonymous student may find the workload hard to manage, but they still believe that college is worth your time. “I was happy way more than I thought I would be,” they exclaimed when asked if they were happy overall. College, contrary to skepticism, is a win-win for them.
These alumni discussed their personal experiences of online college learning, and their various opinions may leave you unsure of how to approach your prospective college applications during the pandemic. Don’t be discouraged. The most important factor in picking a suitable college is to do your best research. Not everybody has the same interests, goals, or aspirations. Whatever path you’re taking, it has to come from your own heart and perspective. If you realized that paying kudos of money to be behind the screen is a waste of time, maybe it’s better off to choose a gap year. On the other hand, if you can adapt to the different setting, then that is fabulous! However, the most important variable is what you think, believe, and feel. Good luck on your academic journey!
