September 23, 2020
“Within the first week of college, I noticed the striking differences and similarities with high school,” said Jaime Martinez. Martinez is a freshman at John Hopkins University, which has 6,526 undergraduates. “College is a different experience in the way that a lot of the workload is directly offloaded on you, and it is your sole responsibility to academically thrive.”
While Martinez is discovering the differences between high school and college in a different way this year, he is coming to realize that while this is a tough situation, it is the safest way for him to learn. “In addition, in college, there is a lot more free time,” Martinez said. “No more bell periods and no more waking up at 6:00 AM!”
However, not knowing anyone that goes to his new school can pose a bit of a challenge for him. “As college is a highly social setting, studying remotely has been awkward at times; however, I realize that things end up working for the best and I am ultimately much safer at home.”
At JHU, only the select few students were allowed back on campus. “Students who face extraordinary economic or family hardship were allowed on campus, but they are few and far between, and are required to live under strict guidelines and testing protocols.”
Martinez has not heard anything from the university on when his arrival to campus may be, but he is rolling with whatever comes at him. He hopes to be returning in the spring.
Abby Pingpank is a senior at North Allegheny. She plays the violin in the NASH Orchestra, and she also is a part of the Cross Country team. In her free time, you can find her hanging out with her friends, taking long walks with her dog, and practicing her photography skills.
