On Aug. 31, EMU kicked off the Fall 2021 semester by resuming in-person classes campus-wide. Along with first-years, this year’s sophomores are physically experiencing campus life for the first time. 

Life for a residential EMU student has changed drastically since last year. Sophomore Mariah Miller was surprised by many of the alterations, noting that she had nothing else to compare her EMU experience with except the year the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “Now that I know what more regular college life looks like, I realize what we were missing out on.”

Despite the pandemic, Miller said her and her friends were still able to enjoy their first year. “We did so many random things that I don’t think we would have ever done if it weren’t for COVID-19; we had to get creative.”  

EMU’s cafeteria is among many spaces across campus returning to normal. Students can now scoop their own food again, people can sit wherever and with whomever they like, and the self cook station has reopened. Miller was unaware and delightfully surprised by that particular change. 

Sophomore athlete Vanessa Gardiner was as well. “I get the joy of eating with my teammates.” Despite enjoying most of EMU’s recent changes, especially the cafeteria’s self-serve setup, Gardiner misses the academic hyflex model. She noted that it’s easier for students, athletes in particular, to have the ability to attend class from their own home, or wherever else they may be. Gardiner visited EMU before COVID-19 and had a clear picture of what “normal” looked like before the pandemic. She knew that without a pandemic things could be better but feels like EMU did everything in their ability to keep students safe. 

Gardiner is a member of EMU’s cross country, triathlon, track and field, and basketball teams. Her first year as a college athlete consisted of several unforeseen obstacles, including contracting COVID-19 and juggling multiple sports in overlapping seasons. This year, she’s most grateful to attend practices with less restrictions and still feels safe doing so among her teams. “We can practice without masks. That’s been a huge difference; you can breathe easily.” 

Sophomore residential student Zander France was most excited for in-person classes amidst EMU’s return to normalcy. “I love paper worksheets; it’s been two years since I’ve had one!” France said he doesn’t miss anything from last year; although, he enjoyed being able to attend Convocations online. He said it takes a lot more effort to attend in person, and they don’t fit into his schedule as well.

In addition to classes, France was excited to socialize at Campus Activities Council (CAC) events. “I feel like a lot of last year’s events were ‘Come pick this up – and then go do it somewhere else. It’s nice to have events with a ton of people in one place.” France noted that it’s been a lot easier to meet new people this year. 

As EMU continues to transition back to pre-COVID-19 policies, students are optimistic about the rest of the semester. Miller said, “In life, your experience is what you make of it. Try to make the best out of the situation you’re in.”