COVID-19 Oral History with University Libraries

Really exciting to be apart of

Good, I got to tell my side of covid

Great experience. I love this project.

My Experience with Covid-19
Dear Reader,
My name is Anna Woelfel. I am twenty-two years old, nearing the end of my college experience. I will graduate from The University of Arkansas’ Walton College of Business cum laude distinguished with honors. I am double majoring in Supply Chain Management and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Following graduation, I will be staying in Northwest Arkansas working for General Mills. If you would have asked me freshman year about where I thought I would end up senior year, this would not have been it. I am proud to say I have overcome many obstacles throughout college, with the main one being the Covid-19 pandemic. I will bring you through my undergraduate years here, and detail how Covid-19 impacted each one.
Freshman year, life was tough. I am from a suburb outside of Houston, Texas and traveled far to attend The University of Arkansas without knowing many people. I made it through my first semester successfully but was apprehensive about coming back in the Spring. As the Spring months began, whispers of something called the “Corona Virus” were taking over everyday news and conversation. I remember exactly where I was the day that school was cancelled and students got sent home. I was in my dorm room, studying for my accounting test that was scheduled for the following day. I remember my heart racing, my palms sweating, and a feeling of anxiety overflowing as I read the email confirming that students were to be sent home. I didn’t know what was to come. This was a different type of anxiety than I had coming to a far away college, because this anxiety was one that the entire world was feeling as well.
I packed my entire dorm room of belongings the same day I got that email, and drove nine hours home early the next morning. The following months at home were like a whole new way of living. I spent quality time with family, unsure of what the future held for me. After months of quarantine, we got news that we would be able to head back to the university in the Fall, with virtual and hybrid classes.
Sophomore year, class from home was tough. I was having to adjust my learning style and adapt to a different way of life. This year seemed to be going by slowly on a daily basis, but the months went by extremely fast. As a student, I did not do as well as I did virtually versus online. Distractions are huge when learning virtually. This was a huge self-learning year for me in college. I needed to prioritize my mental health as I adjusted to what was the new normal.
Junior year, things seemed to go back to normal. Classes resumed in person, and Covid-19 seemed to be a thing of the past. Additionally, senior year seemed to be the same. The pandemic had so many effects on my life as a student. I am glad to say that college ended strong without the most extreme effects of the pandemic. I am thankful for my experience in college despite the bumps in the road that were a result of Covid-19. I am a believer that everything happens for a reason and that timing is everything in life.

It was awesome to be able to sit back and reflect on this time in my life.

It was extremely valuable to me to reflect on my experience.

Loved writing this entry

Reflected on COVID-19 and how it impacted me