Thoughts on Returning to Campus

By Alice Liu ’23
Martlets around the world, who have been joining Westminster via Zoom for the past six months, are looking forward to returning to campus.

Alice Tao ’24, who has completed quarantine on campus, said "It was such a long whirlwind returning to campus, but it was worth it in the end." Alice shared that she quarantined in Singapore for two weeks before arriving on campus to quarantine again in Cushing. When asked what she thought about the experience, Alice said, "I’ve always said that I wanted to come to campus and have the experience that we all signed up for. I was very excited to meet new people and make new friends especially meeting the ones I have already met online." Alice commented that she especially enjoyed being in "the dorms and hanging out with friends," saying that it was, "everything she had expected and more."

Some members of the class of 2023 and 2022 have also returned to campus after six months of remote learning. "It is amazing," they said, "to walk across the quad with friends." They especially pointed out that "the dining hall soup truly hit close to home."

Martlets who are yet to return to campus are equally excited about having the in-person experience at Westminster. Aleyna Baki ’21 noted, "The thing I miss the most is probably the euphoria I feel after I leave the dining hall and walk towards the Fearn hall in the mornings. I would always look in the direction of the chapel and watch the sunrise. For some reason, it would always be so beautiful and serene, and it would fill me with so much excitement for a new day."

Some members of the class of 2023 are looking for ways to possibly return to campus in September. They are thinking of quarantining for two weeks in another country, perhaps Dubai or Singapore, before flying to New York. The thought of returning to campus, of walking across the quad, of heading to the dining hall with friends is exciting, and they look forward to returning to campus.

However, Zoomers appreciate the excellent online experience Westminster provides. Aleyna mentioned that, "during the pandemic, education should be virtual, not distant. Westminster aspires to do that with its great education program."

Whether joining Westminster from afar or in-person, Martlets are excited for an excellent spring term.