Elizabeth ‘Izzy’ Reel, ’21
To say this semester was foreign is an understatement. At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), students, faculty, staff and campus visitors were required to wear masks in all public spaces and outside when physical distancing wasn’t possible. Although students needed to adjust to this new lifestyle, students did their best to make this year as normal as possible.
Here, students tell their campus experiences during an uncharted time.
“I would say this semester has been unique and challenging. There are so many rules and guidelines that COVID-19 has placed on the College and therefore on us students. Wearing masks everywhere has been a huge adjustment. I think that the college is much more equipped to handle another outbreak, and the technology needed to support online and hybrid classes is of higher quality. These changes were brought on fairly quickly and I think that the students and faculty all have adapted much faster than we thought was possible. While it is tough not to have visitors, it makes going home much more memorable and enjoyable. The semester has been interesting so far, but I think that with all the challenges, hard times and loss, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and life will return better than before.”
– Alicia Lombardo, ’23
Alicia is a sophomore majoring in environmental science. She’s a Saint Mother Theodore Guerin scholar, and a member of both the track and soccer teams on campus. Alicia loves to volunteer. In her free time, you can usually find her hiking on the trails behind the equine fences or walking around the grotto.
“This semester has been very different, to put it lightly. Wearing masks, social distancing, the no guest policy, the changes due to the pandemic have been new challenges. Thankfully, with all the new changes, professors have been very understanding and helpful, even more so than they are normally. Staff as well have made the changes bearable. Despite the changes, I love being back. I missed campus, and definitely prefer these restrictions to continue face-to-face instruction. There is just something special about being physically at The Woods that makes the pandemic a little easier to bear. I only hope that we can continue to have events and keep everyone safe so that all students, both new and returning, can keep learning and living in this amazing environment.”
– Ben Breiner, ’22
Ben is a junior majoring in psychology. He is a student worker for the IT department and is always willing to help if someone is having a technology problem. Ben also played a part in establishing the E-sports gaming club on campus. In his free time you can usually find him around campus with friends or walking the campus listening to music.
“I feel that the College did a good job of having appropriate precautions for us to follow this semester. Since the College is so small, it was much different compared to other institutions, which I was thankful for. The most challenging part was wearing a mask almost 24/7, but I was happy that we were able to come back to campus and that we’re still going strong.”
– Gabby Shuler, ‘22
Gabby is a junior education major. She’s a member of the Presidential Corps and a library student worker. She’s also a member of the SMWC women’s soccer team. In her free time, you can usually find Gabby in Woods Café or exercising in Club ’64.
“This has been quite a time trying to go to school and live somewhat regular lives again. I feel like I’m still adjusting a little bit, taking it day by day, because that’s how we all have to manage this whole pandemic that we are living through, day by day. It’s the little things like not being able to sit with all my teammates at lunch and dinner, that I’m still adjusting to – just not being able to gather like we used to. Even with basketball, I’m still trying to break old habits that I’m used to because there are certain things that we can’t do now because of COVID. But I am honestly glad to be back on campus, glad to be back with my roommates and glad to be back to something somewhat normal.”
– Regan Hubbard, ’21
Regan is a senior is who majoring in criminology major with a psychology minor. She’s been very involved in the Black Student Association in the last four years she’s been here. She’s currently serving as co-captain on the SMWC women’s basketball team on campus.
Although this is a trying time in the world, SMWC has done its absolute best to ensure the safety of its students and all who are on campus. The College has encouraged students, faculty and staff to use the #CampusClear App to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms. Students still had opportunity to enjoy fellowship in the Woods Café due to their extended hours this semester. Campus clubs and organizations are still hosting events while following COVID-19 protocols and students are still able to watch athletic events with their peers. This semester may have had some changes, but SMWC overall has had a successful semester and is looking forward to what’s ahead. Students are slated to return on campus in January for the spring semester after returning home for Thanksgiving.
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