Graduates: Changing the Direction of the Walk

Carol Martinez-Guzman is a sociology major. Currently a senior in Design Science High School taking 13 credits at Fresno City College through a dual enrollment program.

“It’s definitely been hard adjusting to this unexpected change. We all had plans and goals that have randomly been put on pause,” said Guzman.

One of Guzman’s plans and goals was to attend her graduation ceremony, walk across the stage and receive her diploma. 

These past four years in the dual enrollment program, Guzman said she feels as if she worked hard to get her associates degree in art.

“It’s a very proud moment for us Design Science students, especially being because most of us are first generation. Now, we won’t be able to due to the cancellation of graduation. I’ll still receive it, just not the ceremony I imagined,” said Guzman.

The sudden class changes from in-person to online have especially been hard to manage for Guzman.

“My initial struggle was trying to build my own schedule. I’m new to online courses so the switch from in person to online was very different,” said Guzman.

Guzman explained that instead of being interactive with classes, she now has to resort to reading off provided powerpoints, in hopes that it will be enough to help her understand the material and pass exams.

“Personally, I learn best in person so grasping the material through a screen has been difficult. Although, I would say my professors have done a great job providing me with what they can during this pandemic.” said Guzman.

Guzman said she keeps having to remind herself that classes are still occurring, despite everything that is going on.

“It feels like a break because we’re stuck at home so my mind keeps going to shut off mode,” said Guzman. 

Guzman said she now feels a little lost with how her transferring process will plan out in the next few months.

“I feel as if it’s been more difficult understanding the transferring process without being able to see my counselor in person. There’s a lot of stuff I had to figure out on my own without knowing where to start such as housing,” said Guzman.

“Right now, I’m having trouble seeing what credits are transferable. Yet, I hope everything goes well. I’m trying my best to research everything on my own, I just hope I don’t miss or forget anything,” said Guzman

One thing Guzman found to be important through this time is the struggle with mental health. 

“When shelter was first set forth, it was a big shock of isolation. Thankfully, I was able to adjust and get through, but I know some of my peers continue to struggle with it and it’s worrisome not being able to do much to help them considering we can’t see each other,” said Guzman.

Guzman finds it important to build yourself a routine and stay active during this time. She suggests anyone struggling with mental illness reaches out.

Online Classes: A ‘Hands-off’ Solution to a ‘Hands-on’ World

“This change to online classes is definitely a change I am not too fond of. It’s very glitchy and unwelcoming in a way,” said Diego Morales, art major and freshman at FCC. 

Morales says he is still adjusting to online courses and does better when classes are simple sit-ins and interactive. 

“To be able to talk to someone face to face, but having it done through a video call or recording is not the ideal way to deal with something in a sense,” said Morales.

Class courses are not the only change Morales is currently experiencing due to Covid-19. 

“I was working at a restaurant so once the alerts went up that take out and delivery were gonna be the only way to get food from anywhere, business started to go down. My hours got reduced to the point where I got laid off and received my final check,” said Morales.

Morales said he could see why he had been laid off. Being that he had just started this job and his hours had suddenly got cut. 

“Although I do feel bummed out about not making money for myself, It’s worse for people who need a job to make money for themselves in this time of crisis,” said Morales. 

Living situation wise, Morales said it’s not so bad as he currently is living with his parents and has everything taken care of. 

“I’d like to add that this transition to quarantine and online school is a not so lovely adjustment but overtime, I do believe we will get used to it,” said Morales. 

Which Way to go: Setting Sail With no Compass

Senior and Liberal Arts Social Studies Major, Christopher Juarez plans to transfer to Stanford next semester. A change he says is already a challenge itself. 

“The whole change is obviously challenging but the pandemic is making everything more difficult solely because it is causing uncertainty,” said Juarez.

“The possibility that everything will remain remote for the quarter is scary because it’s hard enough to make friends and get used to a campus, but now we are behind the curve and we won’t get our new student orientation or a proper introduction” said Juarez.

Juarez said he has already missed out on admit weekend and does not want to miss out on any other important events.

“I have been looking forward to this transition for many years and just want things to return to normal,” said Juarez

Juarez said Stanford has issued a statement saying they do not know how the fall quarter is going to look.

“I hope everything gets resolved quickly and safely so I am allowed to have the same experiences as every other freshman who has ever been accepted,” said Juarez

Brandon Pinon, Sophomore and undecided major explained his own struggle with the transition from in-person to online.

“Well it sucks that I can’t go out to my appointments with counselors. I have to use Zoom and it just is not the same,” said Pinon.

Counseling appointments have not been difficult for Pinon, as he is currently enrolled in the FCC PUENTE program – a program which helps students prepare for four year colleges and universities.

“I think getting myself to do everything on time is harder. Because before I would plan my schedule around school and it helped keep me on track. Now that I’m at home it’s a bit hard to stay focused,” said Pinon.

Pinon said he believes online courses are much harder than in-person classes. 

“I think that it adds an extra unnecessary stress to life. Things are already hard and worrying about my safety around others is stressful,” said Pinon.

The COVID-19 shelter-in-place act has impacted everyone in one way or another. Students young and old are required to find new coping mechanisms and methods of education that only a year ago would have seemed extremely foreign to them.

This is the student focused portion of the Rampage’s Feature Story on COVID-19 and its impact on the FCC community. Check out articles about FCC faculty and their experiences as well as FCC’s athletics programs.