The COVID-19 class: The impact COVID-19 has had on the Class of 2024

August, 2020. The newest freshman class entered High Point University, fresh-faced from graduating high school and ready to begin their long-awaited college experience, it came as a shock that college would not be what they had dreamed about. 

​

Spencer Desmarais, a senior at High Point University, reflects on her first year at HPU as she prepares to graduate in May. “Covid ruined a lot of my grade and I wish it had never happened so that we could’ve experienced everything that college had to offer right away,” Desmarais said. “But each of us has learned to grow from what we went through. I’ve never seen a more determined grace of people ever.” 

​

With the aftereffects of the pandemic and the fear of Covid-19 ingrained in everyone’s mind, the “typical” college experience looked different for the incoming class of 2024. 

​

Instead of lecture halls it was zoom calls. Instead of frat parties, it was a small dorm get together. Instead of Greek life, rush was held online. It wasn’t in any way what these freshmen had hoped for. 

​

“My first year we had to create our own fun in every way; meet people through social media rather than meeting people out at social events…everything was different.” Desmarais said. 

​

Instead of the typical four year college experience, the class of 2024 got three real years. One year of living under the pandemics shadow, and three years to experience real life as a college student. 

​

Even with the setbacks they faced, Desmarais says that she wouldn’t change the fact that her first year was basically online. What she would change is how she interacted with the people around her. 

​

“I wish that I had taken advantage of the fact that because we couldn’t go out for nightlife, we were all able to make deeper connections in smaller settings,” Desmarais said. “Covid helped me create friendships that were stronger than I could’ve asked for.” 

​

As their fourth year comes to an end, the reality of graduation begins to set in. The fact that the class of 2024 are no longer college students and are about to begin their adult life has begun to set it.

​

Even though it took a full year for Desmarais to step foot inside a frat house and couldn’t attend her own sorority’s formals, she is beyond grateful that she was able to make the best of her situation. 

​

Desmarais has no regrets about her four years at High Point University, even though her freshman year was not the ideal college experience. 

​

Similar to many of her peers, she has learned to be grateful for the connections she has formed and the opportunities that have risen despite the pandemic. 

​

“I feel like my time here has been fulfilled entirely. We as a grade made up for that time lost.” Desmarais said. 

​

It is with this sense of fulfillment and pride of accomplishment that Desmarais and the rest of the class of 2024 are ready to walk the stage diploma in hand. 

​

“I wouldn’t change my college experience at this point,” Desmarais said. “Graduating feels absolutely surreal, but more exciting than I can express.”