written by MOLLY GOLDBERG. September 12th, 2020
When I was admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison last December, I pictured a freshman fall of Saturdays jumping around in Camp Randall Stadium, attending large lectures, and making new friends.
But when the middle of my senior year came around, and COVID-19 turned the world on its axis, the clear image I had painted in my head of what the beginning of my college experience was supposed to look like became murky and smudged.
I had already lost my senior year, and the last thing I wanted was to lose my first semester of college, too. One by one, many of my high school friends were notified that their universities would begin the fall semester 100% remotely, and I had no doubt in my mind that Wisconsin would be next. So, one can imagine my excitement when I learned that the university would be moving forward with opening campus in the fall. It would be modified, of course, including a mix of in-person and online classes and require face coverings whenever out in public.
My generation and I do not know a pre-9/11 or pre-Columbine world. We’ve drilled for school shootings, taken our shoes off at airports, faced an opioid epidemic, and now a pandemic. I was willing to put up with invasions of privacy and outright discomfort if it meant that I could go to campus in the fall. So, I kissed my dreams of tailgates, football games, and frat parties goodbye, but remained grateful that I got to start my college experience on-campus nonetheless.
Despite my excitement and eagerness to get to school, I was undeniably nervous. The beginning of a new academic year is anxiety-provoking enough for anyone, but add a completely new environment during a global pandemic that capsized the entire world, and you get a double dose of that fear and confusion.
Upon my arrival in Madison, however, I knew coming here was the right choice. After six months of constant family walks, online shopping, baking, and disappointment, a change of scenery was needed even if it meant a compromised semester.
Over the past three weeks, I’ve had to accomplish the nearly impossible feat of navigating the campus landscape, learning how to study, becoming familiar with college life, and making new friends all from my dorm room. Life at college is the time when the teenage years end and we take a deep dive into a sea of new beginnings and possibilities. I’ve always been told that these four years equip you for all of the challenges life throws your way and creates a strong foundation of knowledge. Being here during this unprecedented time in the world has proven to me that this could not be more true.
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