ROCKFORD—Last fall four members of the Class of 2020 from Boylan Central Catholic High School here were planning to go to college during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

With their first semester of college now completed, these grads and their parents reflected on the changes and challenges of college life during this unprecedented time. 

 

“I think we’ve had a harder transition than freshmen in past years, but in a sense it was nice because we didn’t know what college life was like, so we didn’t know what we were missing,” said Marquette University freshman, Katie Milos. 

 

Since starting at the Milwaukee university last fall, Milos said that some COVID-19 restrictions have been lessened for the second semester. 

 

“I have more in-person classes this semester than last semester which is very nice. I feel it’s hard to learn when you’re not physically in the classroom interacting with the professor and other students. There are also more social events in person this semester, but with people social distancing and wearing masks,” she said. “Last semester, all social activities were virtual and it is really difficult to meet people that way.”

 

Marquette University didn’t have a spring break this year so that traveling students would not be exposed to COVID-19 and bring it back to campus. However, Milos said that she and her friends found simple ways to enjoy the spring weather. 

 

“One of my friends bought sports equipment, so that we could go outside in small groups and just play catch,” she said.

 

Campus life has also reflected eased coronavirus restrictions. 

 

“First semester, we would pick up meals and sit outside or go back to our rooms,” she said. “Now, the dining halls are open and using regular plates and cups instead of disposables. So, I think that we are moving more toward normalcy.” 

 

Milos added that Marquette is planning to have all in person classes this fall.

 

David Girgenti started college at Carthage in Kenosha, Wis., but transferred to St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, after his first semester. 

 

His mother, Lori recalls several factors that contributed to the move. 

 

“During David’s first semester at Carthage, more and more of his professors moved their classes to an online format until every class was taught remotely. That created a really difficult learning experience for him especially being away from home and at a college where he couldn’t meet with his professors in person,” she said.

 

After the move to online classes and after learning that David’s intended major was no longer being offered at Carthage, Girgenti said that it made sense to transfer. 

 

“He’s been much happier after the move, is doing better academically and is having a better experience at St. Ambrose,” Girgenti said. 

 

“The majority of David’s classes at St. Ambrose are in person with a few classes as hybrids,” she said.

“We are pleased with the college president’s plan for ‘responsible normalcy’ where full student activities and in-person instruction would return this fall.”

 

 Girgenti feels that moving her son from a school in Wisconsin to a school in Iowa also played a part in David’s overall satisfaction in college. 

 

“I think the switch to a state that is less restrictive (on COVID-19) made a difference. His professors at St. Ambrose are passionate about the need to have traditional classroom instruction,” Girgenti said.

 

Gretchen Schmid’s plans to attend Iowa State University took a detour as this freshman enrolled in community college first semester.