McPherson College Written Work
Prompt 3
Tyler Norris
 The best part of online classes is being able to wear whatever you want |  Finding different ways to have fun has not been a challenge thanks to video games |
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 Various activities keep my mind off of the idea of isolation |  I have never managed my time so well since going online |
At McPherson College, our cafeteria and dorm life are a little different from how they were before COVID-19 regulations were implemented. In my opinion, both of these staple college functions have remained similar, but have made some much-needed improvements due to the pandemic. The cafeteria has made steps to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, while allowing students to still eat together. Dorms and college housing have added regulations but living with other students is always a risk during these times.
Before classes started, it was rumored that the cafeteria wasn't going to open, and they would only allow carryout and to go meals. This didn't happen. Instead, they had students sign up for 30-minute time slots for every meal of the week. The time slots were supposed to limit the number of students allowed to eat at one time. However, this wasn't enforced at all, so every student eats whenever they can. Since it isn't enforced, almost all students come to lunch and dinner at the same time, making the cafeteria packed still. New dinning rules have been put into effect. Smaller tables and booths only allow for two students, and the larger tables only have five students at a table, one less than usual. Every student and employee must wear a mask, unless you are seated at your table and eating. Also, everything is self-serve, from food, to salads, to dessert, and even condiments. Along with that, students aren't allowed to have refills on drinks, instead they must get a new cup each time they run out of their drink. One of my favorite changes is easier access to carry out or to go orders. Students can go through the upstairs main line or go downstairs for a fast and easy to go option. This addition allows students to eat outside or in their dorms, away from crowds. Overall, I think that keeping the cafeteria open has made it possible for students to stay social while not putting everyone at risk and all the change have helped protect students more.
In college, I live in an on-campus apartment. It is within a short walking distance of campus but allows me to have a little more space and freedom than a dorm room does. I live with three roommates and share a room with one of them. During times like these, I am so grateful to be living with my roommates. They help me relax, they always make me laugh, and we just have a good time together. Between all of our numerous activities, jobs, and homework assignments, we try to have some fun. We will cook together, talk and hangout, or go get some Taco Bell. Campus isn't what it used to be, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else besides McPherson College.
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Meghan Smith
Sophomore
I have no idea what the cafeteria is like. I know the students have certain times schedules for them to eat depending on their classes. Masks are supposed to be worn until students start eating up until they are finished. I don’t have a meal plan, so I haven’t been in the cafeteria yet this year. I know littler information about who enforces the rules in the cafeteria, but I am assuming it’s whoever serves the students, along with other staff members.
I am living alone. I like having my own space, but I do get lonely sometimes. I don’t have many friends at all, but I have a lot of free time which I enjoy. For fun I usually do little things like watch TV, read or write. I like going to the grocery store too. I don’t know how many people would consider that fun, but it’s something I enjoy doing when I get bored sometimes. I usually do those things for fun during the week and during the weekend I drive to Kansas City to see my boyfriend or he comes back home for a few days.
I attend most of my classes at my desk in my room. My professors don’t want us in our pajamas or in our beds because they want us to treat online class just like regular class.
Time management has been a challenge. Keeping track of all my schoolwork in general has been a challenge. I feel like it’s difficult to stay motivated at confusing times like this. There’s a lot of material to cover in the little time we meet with our professors, so it can be frustrating sometimes.
Elle Barrett
Sophomore
With school being online and living off campus with a part time job that gives me full time hours, it seems I don’t have much time to feel isolated or lonely. I don’t have time for myself during the day. With work and school getting in the way of one another, I rarely have time to hangout with friends. When I want to have fun, it usually includes me watching a new show or movie that my friends or family have suggested. Right now I am watching this show called Emily in Paris, which has been entertaining, educational, and filled with amazing actors and actresses.
As I wake up for school every day for online classes in the morning, I usually like to wear comfy clothes such as hoodies, sweatpants, and then wearing socks to keep my feet warm and cozy. Although I live with my family, I like to keep school and my courses out of their way when we are all home, which puts me usually in my room or outside on a nice day. My time management skills for classes definitely have been adjusted. With work being a main priority along with school, I usually do my homework on the weekends and get caught up then while the week is filled with hours and hours of work and attending classes.
School this year I have to say is more stressful than the last couple of years due to being online. With smashing in all the knowledge necessary into a short few months, it is definitely hard to keep up with work and school. Altogether, by the end of my day, it is nice to relax, and enjoy quality time with my family, while lounging around watching movies and eating supper together.
Alyssa Lambert
Junior