Many college students were forced to leave their campuses mid-semester in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Now, students are adjusting to remote learning as the pandemic continues, telling NBC10 Boston and NECN about their experiences in video diaries.
Lily Fine, Boston University
Hannah Harn, Boston University
Boston University senior journalism student Hannah Harn says adjusting to online learning has not been easy. On campus, Harn had access to the production equipment and space that she needs. Now, she's improvising with a studio she built at home.
As Seen On
Boston University sophomore fine arts student Lily Fine says she has not been able to complete a lot of her intended course work remotely because they are material- and equipment-specific. Now, her professors are improvising and creating new assignments that are "less than ideal," according to Fine.
Christina Palmeri, Emmanuel College
Emmanuel College senior Christina Palmeri says her biggest challenge has been adjusting to living at home and taking classes online. Palmeri has tried to keep her routine consistent by watching her favorite shows with her friends on Zoom.
Tajrean Rahman, Harvard University
Harvard senior Tajrean Rahman says that her home environment has not been conducive to her learning. Because several of her immediate family members have become unemployed, Rean says she has had to dedicate a lot of time to helping them through the unemployment process.
Selena Zhao, Harvard University
Harvard University senior and government student Selena Zhao says that seniors have to find ways to get the closure they would have gotten from events like commencement and senior week on their own terms.
Jessica Hendrickson, MIT
Steven Truong, MIT
Steven Truong, a senior at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying biological engineering and creative writing, says since moving to remote learning, one challenge he has had is helping his mother with unemployment paperwork. He hopes the pandemic teaches the scientific community a "sense of collaboration" moving forward.
Suni Norman, New England Conservatory of Music
New England Conservatory of Music senior Suni Norman says the pandemic has completely changed her educational experience. All of her performances, including a tour of South Africa, have been canceled. Norman says taking music and dance classes online is difficult because the content cannot be easily translated to online platforms.
Marissa Kearny, Suffolk University
Suffolk University sophomore Marissa Kearny says that the pandemic has shown her how much time she should be dedicating to her hobbies, like cooking and drawing.
Mary Courtuier, Suffolk University
Suffolk University sophomore and marketing student Mary Courtuier says that, as a social person, it has been hard to be away from her friends and professors. Courtuier says social media has helped her stay connected during the pandemic.
Hanna Mitchell, Suffolk University
Suffolk University sophomore Hanna Mitchell, a broadcast journalism major, says she has become more independent while practicing social distancing.
Hunter Berube, Suffolk University
In his video diary, Suffolk University sophomore Hunter Berube talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic stopped him from reporting on a local film festival from starting a show with Dirty Water Media through his internship.
Jasmine Francoeur, Suffolk University
In her video diary, Suffolk University freshman Jasmine Francoeur talks about what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught her as she, like all other students, is now remotely learning.
Lindsey Douglas, Boston Architectural College
In her video diary, Boston Architectural College senior Lindsey Douglas explains that she has been keeping herself busy at home by crocheting, gardening and by doing digital artwork.
Madison Pezze, Western New England University
Western New England University senior Madison Pezze is studying communications and integrating marketing communications. Pezze says she was excited for some sports-related opportunities this semester that unfortunately, did not pan out due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jillian Kay, Emerson College
Even though we don't know when the coronavirus pandemic will end, Emerson broadcast journalism major Jillian Kay says she's trying to focus on the positive while maintaining her mental health.
Linda Shewokis, Emerson College
Emerson College sophomore Linda Shewokis was studying abroad in the Netherlands when the coronavirus pandemic hit. In her video diary, the theatre education and performance major says she is worried that if the pandemic continues, she might need to take the fall semester or even a year off.
