Students return to campus and “New Norm”

It is nothing like it has been in the past on the campus of Delaware State University.

Nevertheless Del State students have returned to campus for the 2020 fall semester and are doing their best to adjust to the “new norm” of virtual classes and social distancing requirements.

Malina Emory, a freshman from New Castle, Del., said for her, the new norm on campus has not been too difficult.

“So far, it’s been an easy transition,” Ms. Emory said. “I think Del State is given us a little grace with the pandemic”

Kamden Harrison, a freshman from Newark, Del., who was strolling across campus with Malina, said their previous high school experience during COVID-19 in the spring helped prepare them for the fall semester at Del State.

“I feel like it is a little easier because we got the tail end of it in high school, so we know what to expect a little,” Ms. Harrison said.

Ananiya Pierce, a New Castle freshman who was also with the above young ladies, said she working hard to observe the social distancing guidelines.

“Sometimes I forget my mask, and I have to go back and grab it,” Ms. Pierce said. “We all want to stay on campus, so we all have do our part and follow the guidelines.”

Miles Eaddy, a freshman Sport Management major from Philadelphia, Sport Management, said his priority is to get his work done.

“The semester has a different type of feel, especially with classes being online,” Mr. Eaddy said. “Because we are not in classes and are doing all the courses virtually, time management is crucial.”

Jordan Jenkins, a freshman Mass Communications major from Brooklyn, N.Y., said she is not a fan of virtual learning. “It’s tough not being able to see your professors face to face, and getting to understand them is a little difficult,” she said.

Her friend Aaliyah Frazier, a freshman Early Childhood Education major from Prince George County, Md., agreed.

“I am more of a visual learning and hands-on person. I need that kind face to face interaction,” Ms. Frazier said. “But this is the new normal and I just have to get used to it.”

Madison Burnite, a freshman Biological Sciences major from Sicklerville, N.J., doesn’t mince her words about virtual classes.

“It sucks. Nobody likes it,” Ms. Burnite said. “But you gotta do what you gotta do to get your degree and be able to stay on campus.”

Mayanah McIntosh, a freshman Kinesiology major from Elizabeth, N.J. said she is just happy to be at Del State.

“Based on what we knew in March, I didn’t think we were going to be able to come at all,” Ms. McIntosh said. “So I am happy that were able to come to campus, even if we have to wear a mask.”

Maurice Hunter, a sophomore Music Industry major from Wilmington, Del. said while he understands the importance of social distancing, he admits that it has impacted social life on campus.

“You really can’t go anywhere, you can’t go into people’s residential hall rooms like we used to,” Mr. Hunter said. “Before we used to be out here, 20 people in a group, but not you can’t do that. Now there can’t be any more that 10 people and then you have to be six feet apart.”

Nayeli Romero, a senior Agriculture/Pre-Veterinary Science major from Delaware, said that her professors have done a good job in presenting the online course material. As far as social distancing is concerns, she said students need to embrace and adhere to the guidelines.

“It is still your responsibility as a person to care about other people, whether or not you are sick or believe (the pandemic is real),” Ms. Romero said. “Somebody else might be more prone to catch it.”