Keri Roach—A Break from Campus Life
Jasper County High School Class of 2019 valedictorian Keri Roach is home from Augusta University and completing distance learning.
Keri’s account of the experience thus far is as follows:
My first year at Augusta University quickly changed with the spread of the Coronavirus. This virus seemed so far from impacting my life until I was notified on March 12th that all students would be forced to leave campus for two weeks the following day. We were notified by email that Augusta University’s campus would be closed and instruction would be postponed.
Confused and saddened that I would be leaving Augusta, I prepared to leave campus by only packing the necessities for a short break from college. During this break, I really missed my roommates and friends. Over the course of the next week, we were notified that we would not be returning to college for the Spring 2020 semester.
When getting this news by email it was if my heart had been shattered. It was if I had finally found my place at Augusta University and had just become accustomed to my new home away from my hometown. With short notice, I headed back to Augusta to pack up my entire dorm room within two hours. This process was emotional and tiring. While several emotions were associated with moving out, I was glad to see my dorm room and roommates one more time before the end of my freshman year.
It has now been a few weeks since moving out and I am now becoming accustomed to being back at home. I would much rather be back at Augusta University but this break has given me time to relax and take a step back. With classes being online and us missing two weeks, schoolwork has now become more hectic. At first, it was challenging managing schoolwork and leisure time but I am now doing better with online instruction. I believe I speak for all college students by saying that we never saw this coming. Coming into freshman year I had no idea my first year would end this way.
Keri Roach
Augusta University Freshman
Q & A With Keri
Question 1.) Sounds like a roller coaster of emotions for your freshman year, but it definitely sounds like you have adapted. What do you think a return to campus in Augusta will look and feel like in the fall?
Answer: I am very hopeful that we will be able to return in the fall. This return to campus would be similar to being welcomed home after long time away. With this, I am sure there will be many adaptations to keep students and staff safe but I will be happy to simply be back on campus.
Question 2.) You are attending a highly regarded medical school in Georgia so much so that Governor Brian Kemp has given the university a very public applause for its development of the Covid-19 telemedicine app that can now be utilized statewide. This app may be instrumental in helping to re-open the economy in Georgia. As valedictorian of the Class of 2019, I remember you noting that you would pursue a career in the medical field. Have you decided upon a major and how does your university’s role in this pandemic inspire you?
Answer: I have decided on Dental Hygiene as my undergraduate major. I was recently accepted into the Dental Hygiene program for Fall 2020 and can’t wait to start taking courses in the fall. Augusta University’s role in this pandemic inspires me to keep going in my coursework. Through all of this, AU has continued to adapt in ways that not only benefit the University but the whole state. I am proud to be apart of this university and am looking forward to possibly being apart of a project such as this one day in the future.
Questions 3.) Any advice for seniors graduating without all the usual fanfare this year?
Answer: My advice to seniors who are graduating without all the usual fanfare this year is for them to keep their heads up and moving forward while also cherishing the time that they have left, even if it’s far from the normal circumstances. This is still a great time for seniors to cherish being at home with their family and keep in touch with their classmates. It is such a blessing that our school system has found a way to provide seniors a way to experience several senior celebrations such as graduation and senior breakfast. They should especially cherish this time considering all that they have missed out on. This is also a good time for them to prepare for life in the fall, whether that means going off to college or into a trade.
