Students Speak Out About Return to Campus

Students are excited and anxious about in-person classes for the fall 2021 semester.

The City College of New York (CCNY) will open partially in the fall. As the spring semester wrapped up, we talked to CCNY students about their hopes and fears for the new semester. Some students are excited about the opportunity to see their professors and peers in person next fall while others worry about it.

Michelle Obeng, a junior, plans to return to campus in Spring 2022. She worries about the consequences of reopening. “I know we live in New York and we tend to follow the rules more, but it doesn’t matter if the rest of the country doesn’t want to get vaccinated and can’t wear a mask properly,” complained Obeng. “I feel like I’ve been robbed of a true college experience for well over a year now. I’m not sure if I can make up for all that I missed in one measly semester.”

She wants to make new friends on campus when she does go back. “I’m hoping that I can talk to new people and make more connections with students in the same field as me,” said Obeng.

Maliha Khan, a sophomore, wants to see the people she already knows. “I’m looking forward to going back to campus and hanging out with my friends after class is over,” Khan said. She is only afraid that she will miss her alarms, not wake up on time, and sleep through her classes.

Kazi Maisha is excited about the resources that come with the school re-opening. “I’m looking forward to studying at the library again,” said Maisha. “Studying at home is not the most effective for me at times.”

She also hopes professors change their outlook about the work they assign. “I feel like this pandemic has shown how many professors have failed to take the effects of the pandemic into account,” Maisha said. “They provide us so much work as if we have all the time in the world because we’re home. I hope professors can be more understanding in person.”

Matthew Osei, a sophomore, wants the option to take online classes after the school re-opens. “I’m afraid that the (in-person) classes will be mandated in the fall,” Osei said. He is worried about the number of students allowed back on campus. “It was already suffocating to be around so many students before COVID-19.”