How Has College Been for First Time Students Due to Online Learning

By Stephanie Valdes

Due to the pandemic, online courses have been hard for both staff and students alike. However, it has been especially challenging for first time college students and Running Start students.
“College students have long been prone to stress, anxiety, and depression. Three out of four Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 report poor mental health tied to the pandemic, according to the CDC. ”
https://youtu.be/4QB00M0cVDE (Links to an external site.)
Jorge Marin is a Running Start student and Ignacio Lopez Jr. is a first-time college student, both at Green River College.
Marin mentioned “Going to high school and college is challenging. I was excited to go to college, but with online learning it made the college experience challenging”. They added, “Online is challenging in itself, sometimes there can be errors with the Wi-Fi or computer, which can affect anyone’s learning.”
Lopez mentioned that “It was a difficult start, because I wasn’t used to a routine that had me stuck on a computer all day at home. With time I figured out a routine that helped me better focus in class and make the experience worth it.” They continued, “I’m studying criminal justice at Green River, but I feel like to show my full focus and full potential I would have done better in person class. This is because I’m better at communicating in person, not really by email to professors.”
Green River College offers an online mental health assessment if you are having trouble with your mental health. This counseling help is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but closed on weekends. You may call for a virtual appointment at 253-351-6670.
https://www.greenriver.edu/campus/campus-resources/counseling-services/online-mental-health-screening/Links to an external site.