By: Jade Bastian, World News Editor
During spring break, universities throughout the country notified faculty and students about the transition to online classes due to covid-19. For some, including Saint Leo University, it was initially set on a temporary basis.
However, within a few days, classes were extended through the end of the semester. In like manner, the commencement ceremony for Saint Leo University had been rescheduled from May 2, 2020 to June 1, 2020.
The campus that was once filled with learning, laughter and other activities, had been reduced to a “quiet place”. The life and vitality of the campus was stripped away as students returned to their home towns and countries.
The stability of the virus was uncertain at the time, but many still had high hopes to celebrate the day that completed the four-year journey that came with hard work and sacrifices. In reality, it was only a matter of time before it became a pandemic and the world took an abrupt halt. What was set to be a year of new adventures became a year of adjustment and change of perspective for the Class of 2020.
The disruptive nature of the virus resulted in unemployment worldwide, which has impacted job searches tremendously. Additionally, the outbreak has taken a mental toll on many students especially since this year was set to be a new beginning.
Most students remember the iconic sunsets on University Campus, that would wash away the worries of any rough day.
Saint Leo University and other universities throughout the country have replaced the on-ground ceremony to an online commencement, which is considerate and understandable, but it does not amount to the exhilaration of walking across a stage with a well-earned degree while family and friends watch in admiration.
There were no final goodbyes nor last days spent with friends before parting ways into the next phases of adulthood.
For parents, it was especially heartbreaking to not see their children live out their dream walking across a stage with degree in hand and huge smiles. The sacrifices and the time spent apart during long semesters makes it even more unbearable.
Many students looked forward to bringing their families from all around the United States, and the world to see the beautiful campus they spent four years on. Sadly, families had to settle for photographs and videos from their loved ones.
As for international students, it was emotionally devastating. Some students have not had the privilege to return home during breaks, and graduation day would have been a glorious moment for the students and parents.
In spite of this misfortune, the journey has been completed and there is still much to be praised; four years of achievements, growth, memories, new connections, and life lessons.
Amidst the chaos, there is peace to be found now that everyone has extra time to create new goals and plans to take the world on as it reopens.
