UGA Senior Clay Evans Copes With Distance Learning Amidst Covid-19

Clay Evans, a Jasper County High School graduate and former Marching Hurricane, responded to the call for Covid-19 college experiences as an undergraduate senior at the University of Georgia in Athens.

Like all students nationwide from primary to high school, post-secondary students have been subject to distance learning as institutions shuttered their on-campus buildings in an effort to social distance and halt the spread of the virus.

Clay’s personal account follows:

Entering my last year of undergrad as an Accounting major at UGA, I never imagined that I would have to switch to online courses mid-semester. To say that this sudden transition was an easy one would be a misstatement. Back at the beginning of March, I was studying for midterms and working on projects I had due that week. Following that long and stressful week was my Spring Break, where everything changed so abruptly.

Excited for my Spring Break plans with my family, I left Athens with some necessities and my dog then headed to Monticello. The beginning of Spring Break was just like any other break, relaxed and fun. Back in December, my Dad and I planned to go on a three-day trip to Moab, Utah. From the moment we left Monticello until we landed in Moab, I was beginning to see the impact of COVID-19.

During this time I was receiving constant updates on my phone about several cancellations of various events and schools. I was even seeing rumors of UGA temporarily suspending classes for two weeks. I was genuinely shocked at how quickly everything around me was changing. It wasn’t until I landed in Moab when I received confirmation that UGA would temporarily suspend instruction to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Initially, I was happy to not have any school work for two weeks; however, I was worried about what that meant for the rest of the semester. I knew I did not want to switch to distant learning but I didn’t dwell on it for long.

After my trip, I went back to my apartment in Athens to grab more clothes and other items I may need for the next two weeks while I stay in Monticello. The next day UGA sent out an email informing students that classes would be transitioning to distant learning for the remainder of the semester. During the two weeks, I tried to be optimistic about the transition but I knew it was going to be a difficult task. One thing that made the transition difficult was not getting to say goodbye to my friends and knowing that it would be a while until I could see them again.

Learning online is not ideal because it does not offer the same benefits as face to face instruction. In some of my courses, the professors have increased the workload to make up for the two weeks without instruction. While this experience has been overwhelming, I try to look at some of the positives of distant learning. For example, I can pause any prerecorded lectures or rewatch them if I need to. Additionally, the professors have designed the courses to allow students to work at their own pace. I can watch multiple lectures a day or spread them out over the week.

One of the best things about online courses is having more time to spend with my family. If this were a normal school year I would not have this time with family.

As I finish up this semester, I can’t help but wonder how this will impact the fall semester, my last semester of undergrad at UGA. During the fall I plan to apply to the University of Georgia Masters of Accountancy program.

Currently, however, one of my greatest concerns is not being able to participate in the University of Georgia Redcoat Band one last time. Even though this seems never-ending, I am confident that I will be back Between the Hedges in the fall. And of course, Go Dawgs!

Clay Evans,

University of Georgia Senior

Question 1.) You mentioned Spring Break in Moab, Utah? What enticed you and your father to that location? Visiting family or friends, or seeking a different type of adventure?

Answer: For Christmas, my dad planned for the both of us to fly out to Moab for a few days. Our trip consisted of riding UTV’s through the canyonlands and petrified sand dunes, hiking, and sightseeing. The highlight of the trip was definitely riding the UTV’s. The UTV tours provided us with a unique chance to take in all of the beautiful scenery Moab has to offer. It was an adventure-packed trip and a great bonding experience for my Dad and I.

Question 2.) Like Jamel before you, there is mention of a sadness of not being able to say an in-person goodbye to your college friends. As a senior not too far from graduation, no doubt you have made many bonds over the years and with technology as it is keeping in touch is not an issue, why was it so dismal not getting that last goodbye?

Answer: Technology has definitely allowed me to keep in touch with my friends. I believe what made it so dismal is the sudden change from seeing them every day to not seeing them for weeks or months. I am used to spending time with them daily. While technology gives me an opportunity to keep in touch, it’s not the same as face to face communication.

Additionally, the uncertainty of not knowing when I would see them again made this transition difficult. Two weeks turned into a month and now everyone is uncertain when to stop practicing social distancing. On a brighter note, we are beginning to see the positives of social distancing and I am willing to continue to practice it in order to flatten the curve!

Question 3.) I have spoken with a lot of people working from home instead of their offices over the past month during this time of social distancing. Every individual I have spoken with seems to feel working from home has produced more work for them versus being in the office. That somewhat sounds like the case for in-class versus virtual learning, do the two scenarios compare?

Answer: I definitely believe the two are comparable. Working from home, whether it be work for a job or school work, is unusual. We are accustomed to home being a break from work; however, now homes are offices and classrooms for many people. I think a heavier workload is attempting to fulfill the absence of physically being in our respective offices or classrooms. Working online can create several barriers and complications that unusually occur. Thus, people may have a need to make up for that difference. Personally, I also believe professors know I have more time on my hands so they know I have ample amount of time to complete schoolwork.

Question 4.) Your senior year won’t conclude until the Fall semester when hopefully students are back on-campus and restrictions somewhat relaxed which would mean an in-person graduation ceremony and celebration will most likely happen for you. Seniors this year, high school and college alike, won’t experience many of the standard ceremonies. What words of support/encouragement would you offer?

Answer: I know every senior is disappointed to not have an opportunity to experience all of the normal senior activities and ceremonies. I cannot imagine how difficult this situation has been for them. However, that does not make their accomplishment any less special.

To the Class of 2020, I would like to start by saying congratulations! I’m sorry that this situation has ended your special year so abruptly. But, nonetheless, you made it and you are about to embark on a new journey! The road ahead may be unclear to some of you and others may have an exact plan. Regardless, you still have a lot left to accomplish. This current situation may have put a damper on your senior year but don’t let it define it. The memories and stories you all share will be some that you cherish forever.

Take this opportunity to keep in touch with your classmates and teachers, ask them how they are doing, and thank them for the memories. After this is over with, try to spend some time together and celebrate your accomplishments. You all have a lot to be proud of so keep your heads high. Lastly, I encourage you to never forget where you came from, it is part of the reason why you are where you are today!

Question 5.) Georgia’s Governor announced plans to begin re-opening the economy this week. While relaxed restrictions may be good for the state’s economy it could still hazardous to the health of some without widespread testing readily available. You stated earlier that some positives from social distancing have been seen and that you are willing to continue the practice in an effort to flatten the curve. In light of barbershops, gyms, and restaurants opening within days, do you still intend on practicing some semblance of social distancing?

The re-opening of the economy is a double-edged sword. On the positive, it is beneficial for the economy because businesses can reopen for normal operations. However, on the negative side, COVID-19 is still very much a threat. I think it is crucial for the health of everyone to still practice some form of social distancing. Personally, I am going to continue to social distance myself from others, not only for myself but for those at high risk.

Health officials have stated that some individuals are asymptomatic. With that being a possibility, I don’t want to risk the uncertainty of potentially spreading COVID-19 to anyone. While I know everyone is eager to go back to normalcy, I think it’s still imperative that we continue to take precautions.