UNC Greensboro prides itself on creating pioneers. Whether that student is the first in their family to go to college, or they go on to transform their community through research, innovation, business, or politics, each of them brings the resolve to create remarkable, real-world impact every day.
But many of the graduates who crossed the stage at Commencement this year were pioneers in a way that no one could prepare them for. Their first year at UNCG was thrown off-course when the COVID-19 pandemic hit full force in spring of 2020.
These students persevered through virtual classes while their instructors were still learning the technology, unprecedented health and safety restrictions, an interruption in the social activities, and a loss of opportunity due to canceled internships and restricted travel.
UNCG News asked some members of the Class of 2023 to share the lessons they took away. Their words speak to the frustration, vulnerability, creativity, and the strength that shone through their experiences.
Chantal Carrillo-Ferreyra
Finance & Marketing
“In your first year of college, it’s somewhat the norm to create a plan for the next few years – from deciding which friends you will live with, your classes and involvements, to what you’re going to do for the rest of your life. During a time of uncertainty and constant changes, I learned to live in the moment and find support in those around me.”
Maddie Gilliam
Interior Architecture
“It didn’t feel ‘normal’ again until my junior year. It taught me to be so appreciative of the social aspect of my studio classes with IARc. And I think everyone learned to be patient with each other and to allow wiggle room for mistakes, because we were all adjusting and trying to find our way.”
Diego Garcia Guzman
Political Science
“I had just joined the Latino fraternity Lambda Theta Phi. I was devastated as I was hoping to have a regular semester and enjoy Greek Life. What really helped me during the pandemic was the network of support and encouragement I had from my brothers. Even though we all went home and spent a year adjusting to virtual classes, I never felt alone.”
Kelsey Aylward
Interpreting, Deaf Education, and Advocacy Services
“Once I got back to school and into the swing of the new school year, I realized how much more adaptive I became to change and learned how to live more day to day rather than wanting to plan out every detail of my future.”
Brenda Fonseca-Martinez
Studio Art, Painting
“I learned how to take time management very seriously because I had to take care of my family while working two jobs and being a full-time student at UNCG.”
Isaiah King
Psychology
“I understand the benefits of remote work, but I really missed being in person. I really hope that we never have to do that again. However, hybrid work is also not that bad.”
Alexis Durah
International Global Studies
“It is important to set boundaries. Not only did I conceptualize this ideology in terms of my productivity level, but also in making sure that I effectively communicate with professors and administrators my needs to efficiently complete a course with optimal results.”
Madison McPherson
Arts Administration
“I’ve come to appreciate the value of face-to-face contact with my teachers and peers. I’ve also come to value the little things in life, like being outside, interacting with loved ones, and taking care of myself both mentally and physically.”
Sirine Hijazi
Psychology & Sociology
“I learned during the COVID-19 pandemic how to be independent and succeed despite any obstacle. I am grateful for the failures I had at the beginning of the pandemic that taught me invaluable lessons about my ability to succeed.”
Sara Malone
Interior Architecture
“What I’ll take away from the whole thing is that we all need to be working less and loving more. But I can’t say that was unexpected; COVID just brought it into extremely sharp focus.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona
Additional photography submitted by UNCG students
