My First Semester Photo Essay

If you told me a few years ago that my first semester of college would have looked like this, I would not have believed you​. So far, my college experience has been nothing like I would have imagined, yet it has turned out to be some of the most memorable months of my life.

​When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in the spring, it spoiled the end of my senior year of high school and modified milestone events such as prom and graduation. So, heading into college, I had no idea to expect regarding both my academics and my social life. The only thing I knew for sure was that COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions were going to play a huge role in my first semester, and they did. A majority of my days were spent in my dorm room, attending Zoom classes, doing homework, and studying. Then I felt the effects of the pandemic more directly, as one of my friends tested positive for coronavirus and I was traced as a close contact. While I never tested positive myself and ended up getting two negative results, I still had to quarantine on my own for two weeks. It was certainly difficult to go for so long without seeing friends and family in person, but that was the nature of the semester, as coronavirus protocols destroyed any flow or sense of continuity that may have existed otherwise. Add on top of that other major headlines, such as one of the most important elections in our nation’s history. While the political atmosphere added additional stress to my life, I was grateful to be able to vote for the first time and make a difference in our country. As with everything else in a COVID-19 world, my voting experience was not normal either—instead, I filled out a mail-in ballot weeks before actual election day.

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Despite all of these unprecedented circumstances, I still ended up having a blast in my first semester. For every moment of hardship or uncertainty, there was another one of happiness. While I expected making new friends to be much harder during these times, I was still able to meet new people while socially distancing outside at La Plata Beach and McKeldin Mall, and I hung out with my high school friends a ton as well. In addition, my first semester saw some monumental occasions. I got to attend my first wedding and celebrate as my cousin got married in October. Then I got to return home for the last few weeks of the semester, just in time for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. While it was weird not spending the holiday with extended family as usual, it was still a great way to finish out a successful first semester.

Being in college meant a lot to me this semester, because many people have lost their jobs, fought to keep food on the table, and struggled to cope throughout the pandemic. I am grateful to be able to continue my education, and I am especially thankful that I was able to be on campus this semester. Being in Media Scholars specifically has helped my growth a lot. The Scholars community has offered me the opportunity to make new friends and has encouraged me to get involved in what is going on in the world around us. Media Scholars has made my transition to college much easier, and I am excited to continue my growth in the coming months.