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 Jake Akmatov | Student Submission
It’s often said that when one door closes, another one closes. As the coronavirus continues to affect Tallahassee, many people have found themselves out of work. A few however have found new opportunities in the midst of this crisis.
I grew up in Tallahassee and until recently divided my time between attending classes at Tallahassee Community College and working at a local Dunkin’ Donuts. I was laid off from my job after the restaurant closed due to the coronavirus. Fortunately, within the week, I was able to get a new job working with the Florida Health Department answering phone calls from concerned citizens across the state.
Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis has given me a unique experience by seeing how state residents have responded to the crisis. It has also given me a chance to provide people with vital information they need to stay safe.
Because of my new job and its increased responsibilties and the fact that TCC has closed its campus, I have temporarily de-prioritized my classes. I have dropped a few of them and plan to retake them when the economy is more stable and I can attend the classes in-person.
I have enrolled in summer classes, and I am waiting to see what will happen for fall before I sign up for my second year at TCC.
Jake Akmatov is a student at Tallahassee Community College.
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
