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Claire Anderson understands necessity of closing

By Amber Williams

Editor’s note: This is the third in a 10-part series about area college and university students and how their education has been affected by COVID-19.

WINDSOR

Claire Anderson from Windsor — a freshman at Longwood University studying therapeutic recreation — is disappointed to see her first year of college be cut short. She misses the in-person classes and feels that she has been robbed of the traditions that come with being a Lancer.

“The special events on campus have all been cancelled,” said Anderson

For college students, especially first years who have been looking forward to being a part of their college community since opening their acceptance letters last year, it is devastating to not participate in the annual spring events.

Despite the disappointing ending to her freshman year, Anderson believes her school handled the situation very well. She stated they made her classes “accessible and understandable.”

“Whenever we have questions, we can email the professors,” she added. “We also have live chats where the whole class can communicate.”

There were two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Longwood University before the college switched to online instruction. Anderson was there when they reported the first case.

“It was nerve wracking…,” she recalled.

Anderson’s family was concerned about the positive case and picked her up the night the school reported it.

While she misses her friends and being able to be involved in fun activities on campus, Anderson also understands that these are the necessary actions that have to be taken.

“I would like for people to… stay at home as much as they can,” she said. :There are still activities people can do at home. Get creative and stay safe!”