When walking toward my classroom during my first day on campus, I saw a lot of glistening and bright faces. Like most students, I couldn’t find my classroom or even my building. I’m usually not a shy person, but I felt shy asking for directions; I think it was the post-quarantine/lockdown awkwardness.
Some classrooms are well equipped with computers to help us navigate our course and reduce paper use, and I was situated in one of these for both my classes on the first day.
First days are usually introduction days. We introduced ourselves and made an acquaintance with each other, especially with our deskmates. So, the first day in class was quite fun, and I’m glad I could attend face-to-face classes this semester while following COVID protocols. It means wearing face masks at all times when in an enclosed space or classrooms and maintaining social distance with peers and professors.
Then there was Camfest, where many students were introduced to different campus clubs that they could volunteer for. I have been volunteering for Nexus since my first semester and I also joined some Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) clubs.
At Camfest, I saw many students gathering around and showing interest in joining different clubs. There was a welcome tent, a Co-op tent, Camosun Chargers tent, CCSS tent, Nexus tent—which I got to volunteer at—and tents for other clubs. We were also provided with free chips, fruits, ice cream, and pop.
It was exciting to finally be around people in school. I really thought it wouldn’t be possible to attend face to face until 2024; that was my most far-fetched guess. But I can see the pandemic ending once as many people as possible are vaccinated.
However, for right now, it’s still too early to think that this pandemic is over. Since the situation has been unpredictable for the past one and a half years, it will be better not to put our eggs in one basket. If cases rise, all classes can be shifted online again.
We as students should make sure to follow all safety protocols. We should keep using sanitizer and keep our face masks on at all times in classrooms. We also have to be prepared for the worse.
It’s not easy to study in a stressful environment but we can involve ourselves more with campus clubs, the student society, Nexus, and other on-campus groups and activities.
Personally, I have to study hard and then I have to work too so I can earn my rent. But writing for Nexus makes me feel relieved—writing is something I love to do.
Even this little part of going to Camosun makes a huge difference in my life. This is how we as students can balance our lives.