By Kaeley Wosczyna
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – As coronavirus cases rise to more than 8.8 million and counting, many Camden County College students are obstructed from participating in community activities outside of school because of the pandemic and the demands of online classes. That includes four of five CCC students interviewed for this story.
“Outside of school, I go to church and spend time at the gym. Online learning has affected these activities because I have to make sure I am managing my time correctly,” said Karli Foster of Stratford, N.J. “Many of my classes require Zoom calls, so it is important to make time for them around my schoolwork.”
The workload and difficulty were part of the problem, Foster said. “I feel like the workload is heavier and more difficult. It’s easier to stay focused and manage time when attending in-person courses.”
Julia Simpers of Hammonton, N.J., agreed. “I do better when I’m actually in class because it helps me understand everything better,” Simpers said.
Walter Ramos of Ambler, Pa., said the pandemic affected his fitness routine and more.
“I lost my job at Zakes Cafe due to the pandemic and they most likely are never reopening,” Ramos said. “Online classes are much harder. I am struggling to get used to science classes online.”
Arianna Lorenzana of Blackwood, N.J., stated she had to stop doing Aikido, a Japanese martial art for self-defense, when the pandemic struck.
“I did Aikido and the pandemic has kept me from doing it all together because practicing would require physical contact with other people,” she said.
But Kaylee Corsey of Sicklerville, N.J., said the shift to online learning hasn’t affected her activity. “I work outside of school and online learning and the pandemic has not affected that activity,” Corsey said.
Information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_totalcases
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html
