Like most students, I was looking forward to my graduation day. Hearing my name being called out, walking on to the stage in a cap and gown, my family cheering me on as I shook the hands of very important people I don't know. Unfortunately for me, I graduated during a pandemic.
In short, this meant the last and most important 2 months of my 4 year degree were filled with online lectures, confusion and uncertainty. As common as it is for final year students to be stressed and under a lot of pressure, the class of 2020 lived a very uncommon experience. Our fear and stress were not only about our next steps into the corporate world, but also whether we, and our families, would catch the deadly virus. If that wasn’t bad enough, we also had to worry about our next steps in the new world. We watched the reality of our chances in the working world diminish through furlough schemes, companies going bankrupt and highly experienced individuals losing their jobs.
Thinking back, the reality of my new normal became apparent when I had to move out of my university accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire. That experience alone felt more like an early evacuation process in any ‘end of the world’ movie, than a happy last day of university. For me, this was most difficult as I was still writing my 2 dissertations (one in English and the other in German) and greatly relied on the university’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC), not only for information but also for a comforting and motivating atmosphere. From previous experience, I knew that my productivity when living at home with my parents was, quite frankly, appalling.
Within the space of two weeks, most of my flatmates left for home, in fear of being locked in. The library started closing and lectures were moved online. While apparently,some students like the ‘flexibility of online lectures,’ I am not one of them. I personally benefit most in face-to face-lectures. My dislike of online lectures meant that, as muchas I wanted to pass with the best grades, I did not attend them. I merely relied on asking my coursemates if the lecture was ‘worth it’.
After much debate, at the end of March, I moved back home to Sheffield. This brought on another challenge. As much as my parents supported me, writing during the daytime, or when they were home, was quite difficult. A little chat would turn to four hours, and the day
would end with me having written 50 words out of the remaining 7000. Since I had no desk at home, I had to write either in my bed or on the sofa, which made falling asleep very easy. Due to this, I ended up writing overnight and sleeping during the day. I found study with me YouTube videos quite helpful, as they gave me the feeling of being in the LRC. Although this was my struggle,it’s important to note that not all fellow 2020 students were equally disturbed. Graduating during a pandemic exposed the inequality students face. In student accommodations, students are more or less the same. However, studying at home is more difficult for less privileged students, especially those with less access to technology and/or more responsibilities. For such students, graduating during a pandemic with a decent grade is truly an achievement.
On a lighter note, I was most fortunate to graduate with a First Class Honours in International Management.
Reflecting on the last 4 years, I couldn’t be more proud of myself for all the hard work, and thankful for all the support I had. Graduating during a pandemic has been an unforgettable experience. Although I did not get to walk the stage and hold a university-made facsimile of a rolled-up certificate, I still celebrated to the best of my ability.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the class of 2020. We undertook a difficult journey and whatever the outcome, be proud of all you achieved under such conditions.
The class of 2020 has so many stories to tell and be heard.
This is just one example.
Edited by Eloise Brooks
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