As a college student majoring in research biology and chemistry, classes are only a small part of my college career. What really separates you from others in the research world, especially in the sciences, is the hands-on experience you gather working in various laboratories and internships. Because of this, the pandemic has completely stalled my progress. I was unable to complete the hands-on research I started this semester, and I couldnt finish the programs I had started in Student Government either. Additionally, my summer plans went upside down when the summer research internship that I was accepted to cancelled their program for the summer, putting me out of a perfect summer job (I would have gotten valuable experience, as well as reliable pay). In short, what was looking like my most productive semester to date became my least productive to date, and my summer plans have shifted to taking classes only out of a lack of options. Im also at an impasse because all of the work I started earlier in the spring is unfinished. However, this was the stage of my college career where I was going to focus more time to my research than student government and other extra-curricular. I have too much piled up to do both, so Ill have to cancel things. My plans for the fall are also up in the air. The original plan was that my college dorm-mates and I would look for an apartment for the upcoming school year, building up some independence and saving some money in the process. However, due to the pandemic we are unsure as to whether an apartment is a good idea, since classes could be moved to distant learning like they were this spring, and we would be stuck paying for an apartment when we could live at home. Personally, without the financial support of the internship, I had to ask my family for help In paying for an apartment during an already trying year for them. Were waiting on news now about what strategies universities will employ in the coming fall so we can reopen the search for an apartment knowing the current risks. The good news is, the free time staying at home has helped me develop as a person instead of a scholar. The typical rigors of college coursework and extra-curricular usually distances you from developing practices like cooking, financials, and self-care that help you function better as a human being. Ive spent some of this time developing those skills and connecting with my family.
Making the best of it
Note: Responses which fell closer to the middle (between two or three options) are shown as two dashes.