COVID-19

COVID-19

When I first heard about COVID-19, AKA the Corona Virus, I didn't think too much. I didn't want to believe it could get to this point. This virus took a lot away from me and if this virus was a person, I'd probably punch it in the face. The Class of 2020 started schooling amidst the crisis of 9/11 and now we're ending our schooling amidst this pandemic - it seems too crazy to be true.

When I arrived to campus after Spring Break, I was so excited for the rest of the semester as a senior. I was hearing rumors about classes being online, but I refused to believe it until I heard from a university official. When I got the official email, my heart sank. I didn't know I would miss physically going to class as much as I do now. The university gave students the opportunity to stay on campus and I was going to a 100%. Since I'm an RSA, we had to continue duty as normal so going home wasn't necessarily an option (I also had my internship to go to). I was happy I had the option to stay and the last thing I thought they would do was kick us off campus, but they did. I can't lie, when I got that email, I cried. I cried to my friends, I cried to my mom, and I cried alone - I couldn't believe it. Little did I know that the closing process Res Life would usually start in May, would start immediately after that email. Everything was happening so fast, it's even hard to put it into words now. 

We got the email on Saturday, March 15th, that classes would remain online for the rest of the semester and that all students should move out of campus housing (sadly, that included me because I'm an RSA for freshmen). We had to be out by Tuesday and let me tell you, the time flew by. Before I knew it, my room was empty and I was driving back home. I understand that everything was done for precautionary measures and for the safety of the SHU community, but that doesn't take away the fact that the rest of my senior year was snagged away from me. My last sorority formal, my last sorority philanthropy event, senior pub nights, Eli's on the weekend, senior week, Res Life end of year dinner, and what hurt the most - graduation. It really felt like someone was playing a sick joke on me. Saying goodbye to my Res Life family on Tuesday was so hard. You wouldn't believe it, but I cried... again. I worked in Seton Hall for three years and it really became my safe haven, I would do anything to be there at this moment. Leaving so abruptly, without saying goodbye to my sorority sisters and close friends; was so hard. I wish I had just one more day.

Well, now I'm home. I'm in quarantine with my family and hoping for the best. As a first generation college student, this was a big let down for me. I was so excited to celebrate all of the accomplishments I made at SHU with my friends and family upon graduation. I really do hope SHU sticks to their word and sets another date for commencement once all of this blows over. I wish I could get the time back that I'm losing, but I know I can't. It sucks and it's going to suck for a long time, but I know all of this is for the greater good. I wish everyone good health and hope that the world is taking social distancing seriously. Stay home for the sake of everyone around you. Let's kick COVID-19's butt!

Xo Gab