The coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people across the globe, including college students. Schools and colleges have shifted classes online for the rest of the semester, graduation and other school activities have been cancelled and students’ academic plans have been affected. Many Tallahassee Community College students returned home, some students stayed in town, but all of them are doing their best to fulfill their academic requirements to finish out the semester despite the societal upheaval.
By Madison Rayborn | Student Submission
Where were you when the world stopped? I’ve heard this question asked my whole life and never quite understood the meaning behind it… until now!
When I was almost a year old, 9/11 happened, and its impact changed the world forever. Of course, since I was only a baby, I did not have any comparison of the world prior to this event.
Flash forward almost 18 years, and we are faced with an entirely different situation. I believe that this one will have an impact even greater than 9/11, because this enemy has the potential to affect every single country and every single person in the world.
Despite the obvious differences in the two events, one thing is the same. The coronavirus will forever change our world as well, and this time, I am old enough to understand that.
Only three short months ago, I was starting my second semester at TCC and looking at apartments to lease with my girlfriends. Because of the coronavirus shutdown, both of my part-time jobs (at the Sergeant’s office at the Florida Senate and as a host at Carrabba’s Italian Grill) have been suspended.
I am so thankful, first and foremost, that no one I personally know has been diagnosed with this terrible virus. I am also very happy that I did not end up signing a lease for an apartment.
I am fortunate that my family lives in Tallahassee and I can stay home again next year, while hopefully giving the economy (and my economy!) a chance to recover.
This is a very scary time in our world, one that not many people living today have experienced.
If someone had asked me just three months ago, before “the world stopped,” what my vision was for my next year, I would never have dreamed this. However, this is our new reality, and this is my 9/11!
How has this global pandemic affected your life as a TCC student / faculty member / staff member? We want to hear from you. Please send us your story: https://forms.gle/ea4z2LjBQho8FadW7
