Five Faithful Principles to Guide Students Returning to College During COVID-19
Going to college for the first time can be overwhelming, as can returning to college for another academic year. But going or returning to college during a global pandemic? This is even more challenging. As you start a new school year, you may find yourself trying to reconcile the idea that COVID-19 is still a very present reality—and likely will not be going away anytime soon.
You may feel apprehensive about what it is going to be like to take classes virtually, or wonder how you will be able to learn in a socially-distanced classroom where everyone is wearing masks.
Those concerns are to be expected and are valid. As college educators we certainly felt this way when our M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program at Wheaton College kicked off the 2020-2021 academic year with a five-day intensive course last week. We had a combination of 31 graduate students almost equally split between attending online and in person. However, we found that by focusing on engagement, safety, community, grace, and reliance on God, we were able to have a meaningful experience for our students and for our team.
Here are five encouraging principles from our experience with students who returned to college in person and virtually:
1. Embrace a new way of learning.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Yes, you should expect that things are going to be very different than before. However, this does not mean that learning will not be a meaningful experience! In fact, you may find that your classes take on a new significance by navigating this season together. Rather than using these new challenges as excuses to disengage, lean in to the ways you can still learn and interact in your classes. Ask questions if you are not able to understand something, as communication will feel more challenging. Provide concrete, constructive feedback if you identify ways to improve the experience, as everyone is new to this. You get more out of your learning and so will the rest of the class.
2. Abide by guidelines.
“Children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Although some of the new restrictions or rules may be inconvenient or uncomfortable, they are put in place for your safety and the safety of the other students, faculty, and staff in your campus community. As a member of the Body of Christ, you have an opportunity to be an example of God’s love in the way that you demonstrate care for others during this season, even at your own discomfort. Abiding by guidelines recommended by the CDC and by your campus is a way to protect yourself and demonstrate love for the people around you.
3. Invest in the people around you.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Whether you are learning in-person or online, building relationships is going to require more intentional effort this year. However, these relationships are going to be what carry us through in difficult moments, and what we will celebrate and cherish when we look back on this time.
It may feel awkward at first, but be willing to invest in forming community both inside and outside of the classroom. Be aware that non-verbal communication may be challenging through screens or with a mask. Get creative in the ways that you connect with each other: virtual game nights, lunches over Zoom, socially-distant study sessions, going for walks (together in-person or virtually through FaceTime) are some of the creative and intentional ways our students have sought to form community with each other.
4. Give others (and yourself) grace.
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16
Remember that this is completely new for everyone: your instructors, your classmates, and yourself. There will be awkward silences, technology glitches, forgetful moments, and other frustrations throughout the semester. In these moments, it is important to start from the idea that everyone is doing the best they can. Respond in grace and support rather than frustration (while always keeping safety in mind), and be intentional in expressing encouragement and gratitude.
5. Give your anxieties over to God.
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
COVID can create some anxiety when returning to a group setting. In times of high anxiety, remember to rely on God and remember the relationships and other approaches to mental health that have supported you in the past. If anxiety becomes overwhelming, reach out to resources that can connect you with professional help. Know that God is not surprised by anything that is happening this year, and he has given you the opportunity to learn in this context for a purpose. He welcomes us even when we worry, because he cares for us deeply.
Because of COVID-19 your upcoming year college will indeed be different than any sort of educational experience you’ve had up to this point. We’ve created a guide for students that goes into more details, because there will be questions, bumps, and difficulties encountered. But as we and our students discovered that learning is still possible, with faith and grace for one another, this year may well turn out to be your most memorable year of learning yet.
Samantha Ervin is the Associate Director for Training and Education at the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. She is an alumna of the M.A. Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership Program at Wheaton College, and M.S. Management from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., is founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. He is the author of A Walking Disaster: What Surviving Katrina and Cancer Taught Me About Faith and Resilience and Disaster Ministry Handbook. Follow on Twitter at @drjamieaten or visit jamieaten.com.
Kent Annan, M.Div., is director of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. He is author of Slow Kingdom Coming and After Shock: Searching for Honest Faith When Your World Is Shaken. Follow him on Twitter at @kentannan or visit kentannan.com.
Does reading about faith inspire you? Do you have a story or information about your faith you want to share? Tell us more!
Discover More:
