Junior Bella Koscal was studying abroad when she heard the news that the COVID-19 Pandemic hit in the United States. She had to pick up and leave her study abroad at a moment’s notice, so she could get home before the borders closed. Returning to KU for the fall semester was difficult. Koscal feels like her classes drag on and the lines between studying and class time are blurred during online learning. 

She is thankful that KU and the journalism School are taking precautions to keep students safe. She also feels like the fall semester has been much more organized than the spring. Despite this, she finds it hard to feel motivated to do school from home. The lack of interaction and in-person experiences is challenging because she is a hands-on learner. Koscal has been able to find some excitement after joining KJHK this semester. She is able to interact with her peers in a safe way through this journalism organization. She fears her peers are not taking the pandemic as seriously as they should. She looks forward to when things return to “normal” so she can resume a regular college experience.