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Some students are busy skiing and working. Others are impatiently waiting for some form or normal. But all college students are faced with the challenge of filling hours of the day that used to be packed with socializing and hanging out.
Henry Keyon (‘24), majoring in Digital Forensics and dual minoring in Criminal Justice and Technology, has made good use of his time. “I’m keeping myself engaged by writing in a journal. I reflect on my mental health, a few things I did, and what was the highlight of my day,” he said. Henry is employed at Market 32, where he holds the position of supervisor. In his free time, he finds himself skiing at Sugarbush and Smuggs enjoying the slopes.
For introverted students, the pandemic has proven especially challenging for making friends.
Athena Euber (‘24), a Social Work major, is doing a wide variety of activities. She noted that participating in activities around campus has become especially challenging for everyone. Despite the inherent difficulties of social distancing and quarantine, Athena still finds things to do. She tries to find activities around campus when she can. Going into downtown Burlington is another activity she regularly participates in.
Athena said her favorite activity to do on campus so far is Bagel Tuesdays at The Woman and Gender Center. “The Woman and Gender center is a wholesome and safe space for people of the LGBTQ+ community and the staff there are always friendly and warm,” Athena said. Hanging out at Lake Champlain for sunsets is also a favorite activity.
Other students are just taking it easy. Jaycob Corbally (‘22), a Broadcast Media major, isn’t up to much. “Recently in my free time I’ve been playing Assassins Creed and doing architecture things online,” he said. Just like other fellow Champlainers, he walks around on Church street.
Despite the general lockdown imposed by the pandemic, there are options. The library is offering plenty of events for bored students. Sarah Camille Wilson, The Access Services Director at Champlain College, said that the library is definitely quieter this year, but it makes it way easier to social distance. Wilson said the Champlain College library has partnered with the ODI to create a book display for Black History Month (Celebrating Black Authors). In March, they are in the works to collaborate with the WGC to create one for Women’s History Month. “We had an in-person hot chocolate event at the library to celebrate Black History Month, and on March 9th we co-hosted a Bagels & Books event with WGC,” she said.
Beth Dietrich, Faculty Librarian, helped to expand on what there is to do at the library and what’s the most popular event among students. The library hosts the Virtual Bookclub, which includes monthly discussions. From the 1st of March to the 31st, Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield will be read by any students and staff who wish to participate. It’s completely free, takes place all day and it’s easy to sign up. Another event that goes on all semester is the Vermont Reads program, where a book is chosen and anyone who wishes to participate can read the book.
No doubt, this challenging time has caused issues for everyone to meaningfully fill their time. Social distancing has made it difficult to keep busy since college is, in many ways, about doing things in groups. Despite the hurdles, Champlain students seem to be making do. They are still finding ways to keep themselves entertained.
By Giana Delossantos
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