When the COVID-19 pandemic first started, it seemed like a break from reality; an extended spring break. Quickly the world shut down, and students had to transition their lives to seclusion. Talking to friends and family, work, and school now took place through computer screens. This transition was notably challenging. Weeks, then months passed, and before anyone realized it these adaptations became the new “normal”. 

The fall semester of 2021 has broken this new sense of normal, transitioning back to in-person classes and an abundance of social events that students can choose to participate in. Just as students and faculty struggled with the initial change, it’s crucial to find out how they are handling the transition back to what we used to call normal. 

This semester can be a transition back to the old routine, but for the Class of 2024 this semester looks a lot different. Due to increased self-isolation last year the current sophomore class missed out on many opportunities and experiences that the current upper classes took part in. 

During online classes, students were able to work on their own time, making their schedule fit their needs. Having to attend classes at a scheduled time and location again can be challenging for students to fit back into their routine. In addition to school work; social events and extracurriculars have been added back to our daily routine, increasing the demand on student’s personal schedules. The opportunity to attend events virtually has become almost standard, with many in-person events still offering this form of attendance which can be more convenient but has decreased the in-person attendance.

“We got so used to attending events through our computers, from the comfort of our homes, that it is hard to get the same attendance at in-person events whether they are extracurricular or social.” Rockhurst University senior Kathleen Anderson said when asked about how COVID has impacted student participation during the new semester. 

As COVID protocols decrease, many student organizations are able to hold many more events that you can attend. If you are interested in finding ways to get involved in campus activities and participate in events there are many student organizations to check out on the Rockhurst website! (https://www.rockhurst.edu/student-life/student-organizations) These organizations can be a great way to meet more students and even gain leadership experience if you are passionate about the focus of the organization. 

With busier schedules, many students were looking forward to fall break. The break took place over the weekend of October 22nd-25th; much shorter than previous years. University Relations stated in an email sent to the community on October 7th that they intended “for all faculty, staff and students to take time during this year, which has been stressful for many, to simply relax and enjoy some downtime.”

Students expressed that the break was not long enough for them to take time for themselves. “I feel like I was almost robbed of a fall break because I had assignments and quizzes due the day after along with papers and tests up until the second break started.” Senior Eleanor Kelleher, stated in an interview about the break.

As the busy semester continues, students and faculty are looking forward to celebrating the holidays with family and friends and are encouraged to relax and enjoy the downtime around the holidays.Thanksgiving break will be November 24-28th, 2021. Only a few weeks later students can breathe a sigh of relief after exams and take December 10th, 2021-January 18th, 2022 off.

If you are personally struggling with managing your tasks in school or events in your personal life, and would like to talk to someone, reach out to the Rockhurst Counseling Center or Student Success center.

Counseling Center: 816-501-4275 

Student Success Office: https://www.rockhurst.edu/student-success/coaching/meet-us