Lessons learned

(Above) Olanrewaju Olamuyiwa talks with Governor Ned Lamont during an event at CCSU on Aug 26. (Photo by John Atashian)

Students reflect on college life in a pandemic

By Amy J. Barry

When “COVID-19” entered the lexicon in March, CCSU students were suddenly faced with an utterly unexpected college experience. Within a matter of weeks, they went from roaming freely around campus to the complete shutdown of the university as cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 — began to rise in Connecticut.

Throughout the transition to all-remote and then hybrid class formats, several students faced a wave of new challenges on top of their usual academic responsibilities. Many also have found pleasantly surprising reserves of resilience and strength.

Olanrewaju Olamuyiwa, a sophomore majoring in political science, and Sean Oushana, a senior double majoring in Computer Science and Cybersecurity, were very involved in campus life before the pandemic closed campus. Both are student athletes and orientation leaders and participate in numerous clubs and organizations. Olamuyiwa also serves as a Student Government Association senator.

The sudden shift to remote learning proved socially and academically challenging for both of them. Between morning practices and studying at the library, a typical day for Oushana meant being on campus from 6 a.m. to midnight.

“It was a huge transition to attend classes virtually and study alone in my basement,” he says.

A recent survey issued by the CCSU Center for Teaching and Faculty Development shows a strong preference among students for in-person classes and recreational activities. Throughout the spring and fall months, faculty, staff, and students alike have found new ways to connect through virtual clubs, activities, and support groups, along with socially distanced outdoor in-person events. An active virtual campus is emerging based on student feedback and participation, but in the interim, however, students had some major adjustments to make.

Olamuyiwa says he felt depressed but intuitively knew how to lift himself up. He began reaching out to his academic advisor, coaches, and trainers. “They all came to my rescue and helped me at my down moments,” he says. “I’m so blessed to be a part of a community that cares for me as a person.”

Halleberry Henry, a senior Psychological Science major, was living in an off-campus apartment when the university closed, and the sudden loss of campus services left her feeling alone and concerned about her classwork.

“It felt awful moving online in March. It was difficult to become motivated, and I didn’t know how I was going to finish without all the resources of the school,” she says.

For Henry, an active participant in campus clubs and activities, the drop-off in social opportunities added another layer of unwelcome isolation.

“I missed going to class and learning hands-on and being able to talk face-to-face with people and going to events,” she says.

Olivia Carlson, a senior majoring in dance education and entrepreneurship, has two online classes to complete to graduate in December. The shift to remote learning this spring presented a stark contrast to her usual coursework.

Carlson says, “It was hard, especially because I’m used to so much hands-on work. I missed being in a dance studio at Central and the energy of having students and peers in a room with me, rather than dancing alone in my room at home.”

She found a new source of that energy by starting a retail business, QuaranTine (QT) Bears. Carlson’s QT Bears sport tiny hand-sewn face masks and include a matching child-size mask, along with a hand-written note from the bear with tips for kids to stay healthy. In just a few months her business gained national recognition and sales skyrocketed. She has now registered her business as an official LLC, trademarked the products, and established a website, qtbear.com.

Upon returning to campus in September, Oushana found that professors were more familiar with navigating online resources, and classes ran more smoothly.

He added that clubs are adjusting well, and athletic practices are looking more “normal” every week.

Olamuyiwa says he was excited to be back on campus and reunite with his teammates, coaches, mentors, and friends.

“I think COVID has taught me to appreciate what I have while it lasts,” he says. “It’s also taught me that tomorrow is not guaranteed, enjoy the times with the people you love.”

As a new business owner, Carlson developed new skills and more self-confidence while learning the intrinsic value of helping others.

“I have seen firsthand how QT Bears are helping people to stay positive, and it has truly touched my heart,” she says.

Oushana has taken inspiration from the strength he’s witnessed in others throughout the pandemic.

“I have to believe that challenges and difficulties bring out the best in people and allow them to develop as stronger and more resilient,” Oushana says. “For example, when my grandmother passed away in April, I learned from watching my father how to be a rock for people during a time of grief. Every hardship this year has come with at least one deep lesson to help me come out the other end an improved human being.”

Olivia Carlson works on her next QT Bear at her home office. (Photo submitted)