In School, But Not On Campus

graphic by jenny katz

While it still hurts to admit, campus undoubtedly looks and feels different in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bottom half of every face is concealed, classrooms are closed, and our computer screens have become professors. Perhaps the most notable: Classmates don’t physically surround us. 

Although I’m a first-year who’s never set foot on Orange ground, it’s safe to say that Syracuse’s pandemic atmosphere is split up into two demographics: those who are on campus and those who are not. But location isn’t the only thing that’s created a divide within the campus -- so has ethnicity. 

The university is literally split with a 52.5% majority of white students and 47.4% minority of people of color and international students. As you might guess, being one of the less than 2,000 Latinos can make you feel like the odd-one-out. If you thought going to a PWI (or predominantly white institution) as a person of color was challenging, imagine not actually being there! Seeing all of my classmates perched in front of their light-wood dorm dressers has just got me feeling some type of way. I love my queen-sized bed as much as the next person, but that damn wood represents the difference between a semi-normal college experience and living 2,680 miles away from campus. 

As you can guess, not living on campus… well, not even living in the same state as campus poses added difficulties within itself; making friends is tougher than usual—that is, during the pandemic—and even feeling like an Orange can be inconceivable. While I can’t relate to those who heavily compromise their sleep schedule to attend class synchronously (kudos to you, my international peers), between being at home all day alone and spending four non-stop hours on my computer, I’m exhausted. 

So what have I done to combat my non-existent social life? I’ve scouted out and joined virtual organizations like WellsLink and *cough cough* JERK Magazine. For those that don’t know of WellsLink, it’s a SU-specific program that aids students of color “[t]hrough mentoring and a series of structured academic, social, and cultural enrichment activities.” Not only does the program make me feel like I’m a part of campus, but it also allows me to meet and interact with other students of color. While the application process for WellsLink ended some time ago, there is a multitude of other campus organizations that will welcome you with open arms. So don’t give up! 

Sure, it’s college, and we want to have fun, but right now isn’t the time to grab your bottle of lukewarm Smirnoff and dance on a table with a room full of people within coughing distance. Trust me: I want to be a “normal” college student too. But until we can safely do so, wear your damn mask and join some Zoom clubs.