As a new semester begins, students report experiencing different reactions to in-person classes.
According to a recent Samford Crimson survey, most students have some concerns about in-person classes this semester, but many are glad to have normal classes once again.
In the online survey of 16 students, 93.8% of them said they preferred in-person classes.
“I am enjoying being back on campus. Classes are a lot more enjoyable since I can actually discuss ideas and see my professors regularly. I no longer feel like just a participant, but an actual student,” senior psychology major Chloe Pappa said.
Other students expressed concerns about the return to in-person responsibilities.
“My only concern is for taking tests in-person,” junior Journalism and Mass Communication major Callie Morrison said. Everyone, myself included, has adjusted to taking tests online, so going back to taking them in person may be stressful and result in poor grades.”
The unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has other students concerned about what may happen next.
“I’m not concerned about in-person classes in their current format. I am concerned that the transition to online learning (if it happens) will be more difficult and stressful since we’re starting out completely in-person,” sophomore psychology major Sarah Woods said.
As a person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder transfer student Kimber Johnson said she is also thankful to be a part of in-person classes this semester.
“For students who have ADHD like me, it’s better to be a part of in-person classes because it’s easier to stay more focused rather than being a part of an online class and just looking at powerpoints,” Johnson said.
Junior Law Politics and Society/English major Megan Rose Dickey and freshman Kaylee Pappa offered words of caution for this year and shared their opinion on certain guidelines.
“I prefer the contact tracing that has been implemented because it keeps us each accountable. I also feel more comfortable being in an in-person class this year due to contact tracing,” Pappa said.
Dickey said she hopes students remain cautious.
“I’m really happy that things are getting back to normal but let’s not have a false sense of security. Let’s continue to take COVID-19 guidelines seriously,” Dickey said.
While there are contrasting opinions about in-person classes this semester, students said they are above all else, eager to get back to a sense of normalcy.
Staff Writer
