By Vicotria Hock (’23)
The COVID-19 Pandemic has resulted in a unique semester for students at Houghton. Some students are learning on campus, with various protocols in place such as the Big Three (masking, hand washing and social distancing) while some are learning from home, entirely online. Others are on campus, but have a mixture of online and in-person classes.
Riley Gastin (’20) is in her final semester at Houghton. She says that “being online for my last semester is bittersweet. Although I am saving a lot of money and I am able to spend time with my family and local friends, I definitely miss being on campus with my friends and professors. Houghton is such a special place which makes it extra hard to be remote. Everyone has been great though, professors and classmates are so helpful and are making this much easier than it could have been.”
Both Cory Messerschmidt (’21) and Isabela Godoy (’23) have acknowledged there are some challenges that have arisen with regards to remote learning. Messerschmidt mentioned that some professors have had difficulty with things such as “sharing their screen” and “making the microphone pick up sound,” though he did mention that he’s “thankful that they’re giving us the option this semester.”
Godoy discussed that for her, the switch to online has been pretty tough. She also stated that there have been some technical difficulties from both her and Houghton, and she added that staying motivated in front of a computer can sometimes be difficult. Having said that, she also feels Houghton has “converted their online teaching decently, but it is still very confusing when you have to check 15 different websites to see what your next homework assignment is.”
Seth Greene (’22) is enjoying the opportunity to spend time at home. He says that the extra time he’s had at home with his friends and family has been “a blessing,” and he also added that he’s “found professors to be very understanding and accommodating in making sure that remote learners are able to fully participate despite the challenges of virtual schooling.”
Although Ryan Ozzello (’21) is on campus, the majority of his classes are online. He explained, “because it’s virtual, I’m able to create my own learning environment for class and spend more time quiet and focused, the way I learn best.” Outside of class, he’s “able to meet in person with classmates to study and be actively involved in many in-person organizations and clubs.” He ended with some compliments about the experience as a whole so far, saying “Houghton has successfully met me where I am during this less-than-ideal time to ensure that I am learning, growing, and engaging with the full college experience.”
Students have had a variety of different experiences so far this semester. Although there have been a few challenges with online learning, professors have been helpful in ensuring that those students who are online are still able to learn with the rest of the class.
Are you studying remotely this semester? How’s your experience? Comment below or get in touch with us via Instagram, Twitter, or email (editor@houghtonstar.com)!