Page 21 - Keys To Community College Success

UPDATE : C O L L E G E D U R I N G

THE COVID-19 P ANDEMIC

You are in college during a moment in time that has been turned upside down by
a worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19. Related changes are bringing many new
challenges for students:
■ Shift in location – many students will not have access to college housing
■ Online course delivery – more student learning will happen over the internet
through websites and videoconferencing software
■ Online resource access – students will access college resources through websites
or videoconferences

■ Increased isolation – students subject to social distance requirements will be
separated not only from other people at school but from friends, family, and
neighbors

■ Health issues – some students are dealing directly with COVID-19 infections,
and many are experiencing anxiety and depression related to the trauma of this
crisis
■ Loss and grief – many students have lost family members or friends to this dis-
ease and are coping with this loss.
■ Financial and job-related upheaval – many students and their family members
have lost jobs or been furloughed, and colleges’ loss of revenue may affect f nan-
cial aid
Even as ER doctors are buying masks with their own money, vodka
companies rush to make hand sanitizers, and 3-D printing f rms are

producing face shields, you can create opportunity for yourself and
your family by persisting through this crisis to get an education. Keep
in mind: your educational goals haven’t changed—what’s changing is
how you pursue and attain them. You can and will reach your goals
in new ways, with courage, with help from others, and with resilience.

STRESS AND WELLNESS
in a time of crisis

n
Ithe wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, you or your loved ones
may have experienced one or more intense crises and stressors: sud-
den moves, the loss of contact with school friends and mentors and
personnel, job loss and financial hardships, academic failures, new
or worsened physical or mental health, even death in your family
or friend group. Many of you carry extra burdens for your families,
helping out with siblings or elderly family members, taking on risky
jobs to bring in money, and pitching in with responsibilities at home.
Some of you may be parenting your parents and/or parenting your-
selves if parents are compromised.

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