The year of 2020 has proven to be a time of uncertainty and change. Some of these changes have occurred on the Milligan campus to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students But among the student body, freshman students’ perspectives of the school vastly differ from those of the seniors.
Senior Callie Daniel is a double major in Fine Arts with a Theatre Concentration and Humanities with a Faith, Arts, and Culture Concentration. After hearing about the school from Blue Ridge Christian Camp when she was 13, it quickly became her dream school. Daniel remarks when she knew the college was meant for her,
“I knew I wanted to come to Milligan because of its Christian views and I had originally planned to come for Music Education because Milligan’s music program was so well known. I toured when I was a junior in high school and new immediately after stepping onto campus that this was it,” said Daniel. “So I came back spring of my senior year of high school, auditioned, and started that fall.”
Daniel attended Milligan for three years before experiencing the abrupt change that began in the spring semester of 2020 due to COVID-19. Now that she has returned to campus, she felt relieved at first as she said she does better in a classroom setting than online. However, this year has proved to be more challenging than ever for her.
“Coming back this semester was such a relief, I knew it would be different, but I thought that as long as I was here I would be just fine,” said Daniel. “As it turned out, five of my eight classes would be online, I would have to pick up a second and even a third job, on top of my commitments to choir and to the theatre. The amount of stress is immeasurable.”
Daniel hopes that the spring semester will be better than the current one. She hopes for a more positive experience to help cope with onset “senioritis” and the eagerness to graduate from Milligan. Daniel also knows that if a physical graduation is not possible, there will at least be a celebration waiting for her back home.
Daniel also commented that she hopes the tracking and handling of COVID-19 cases improves from what they are to be as effective as possible. She contributes her success this semester to her close network of friends, professors, and even her boss for the encouragement they have given her. When giving advice to those still a few years away from graduating she had this to say.
“Regardless of the world around you; however crazy, focus on the things within your control. Recognize the things that are out of your control, leave behind the problems that become out of your control, and move on,” said Daniel. “There’s no time and you don’t have enough energy to worry about things that you cannot change.”
On the other end of the spectrum, certain freshmen are experiencing a better outlook for the end of the year. Makenna Grace Oiler accounts for a much different experience.
Oiler arrived at Milligan in the spring semester of 2020 as a dual enrollment student and started as a full time student in the fall semester. She is currently working on her major in Biology. Oiler recounts about what brought her to the campus.
“The campus is beautiful, it has such a home vibe that I fell in love with,” said Oiler. “Everyone always has a smile on their face and is always willing to help you.”
Oiler also commented that her experiences with professors are positive and that they work well with her if she has any concerns. Her schedule, in her own words, is not too hard and she enjoys being responsible for herself.
Though she keeps a positive attitude towards the semester, she feels the changes that occurred at Milligan. The area she noted the most is the relationships that people may be missing out on due to regulations.
“I think it’s sad how we can’t interact normally with people without social distancing and a mask especially as a freshman because this is a chance for us to meet people,” said Oiler. “Yes, we can still meet new people but it’s not the same, you can’t see people’s smiles as you walk by them and I think sometimes those little smiles can make someone’s day.”
Oiler also recently tore her ACL and remains out of play for the foreseeable future while she awaits surgery. She is also feeling the pressure of an upcoming finals week and adapting to classes that moved to an online venue.
Overall, Oiler said she is adapting to the new environment she finds herself in. She hopes to become a physician’s assistant upon graduating and grow in her relationship with both new people and God. Oiler gave the Bible verse Deuteronomy 3:16 as motivation.
“Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the Lord your God is the one who marches with you. He won’t let you down, and he won’t abandon you.”