After a year and a half of remote work and largely virtual and hybrid instruction, faculty, staff, and students returned to campus for the start of the fall 2021 semester ready to discover the new normal of UW–Madison.
Less than a week into the fall semester, 90 percent of the UW–Madison campus community was fully vaccinated — a number that inched past 94 percent by the start of November. Thanks largely to these high vaccination rates and indoor mask orders, COVID-19 cases remained low for most of the fall.
Just before classes began in September, we spoke with several people to learn how the pandemic impacted them, what they learned from it, and what they were looking forward to with a return to more typical times at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.
Here is what they told us:
Shifting priorities toward health
This past fall, Anjali Yadav was part of the very first cohort of the learning analytics master’s pro- gram, an online MS in educational psychology.
“Admittedly, I’m still wrapping my head around the events from the last 18 months since we are still in (the pandemic) in many ways,” said Yadav. “But I think the pandemic has understandably shifted many of our priorities toward health, in all its forms, and the well-being of our loved ones and ourselves. As a result, I’m noticing that people are willing to share their needs more readily and honestly.”
Ready for the full campus experience
It’s not easy to start college during a pandemic. Freshman year was a unique learning experience for Megan Tennessen in 2020-21. At first, she didn’t seek out opportunities to connect. However, by the second semester, that all changed. She auditioned for an online play, took part in a virtual theater production, and joined Hoofers. This past fall, she said she was looking forward to making the most of her campus experience.
“I am looking forward to football games, tailgates, basketball games, theater performances, and of course, in-person classes,” said Tennessen, who is double majoring in theater, specifically acting, and communication sciences and disorders. “I didn’t get to have the full campus experience last year due to the pandemic — so I am beyond excited to see campus life flourishing.”
‘Making memories with friends’
Sofia Vandersluis, a junior majoring in elementary education and educational policy studies, said at the start of the fall semester that she was excited to experience the new normal of campus life and being a more traditional student once again.
“I am looking forward to making memories with my friends,” Vandersluis said. “I am so excited to do everything. I am by no means a die-hard sports fan, but I will be at every game day!”
One key takeaway from the onset of the pandemic, Vandersluis added, is the importance of family.
“I am fortunate to have the smartest, most competent, and kind parents in the world. But growing up, I definitely took them for granted,” she said. “This past year with the variability, innate issues of being 20, and overall confusion, they were my rock. I would not be where I am today if not for them.”
Carrying forward grace and patience
Christine Gerbitz, a mother of five and a non- traditional teacher education student, drew lessons from the pandemic that she wants to carry into her eventual classroom.
“The biggest lesson I will take with me from the pandemic involved watching the teachers I worked with and the instructors who worked with us,” said Gerbitz. “They extended grace. I saw it time and time again: teachers working to give their students the best possible chances to succeed under less-than-ideal circumstances. While I will have high expectations and rigorous academic content in my classroom, I want to carry through that grace and patience I saw and experienced in my classes and practicum classrooms.”
After having two online practicum experiences last year, Gerbitz said she was looking forward to going into a classroom for her practicum this past fall and meeting fellow students in her cohort in person.
Starting a new job during a pandemic
Not just our students but our employees have also been deeply affected by COVID-19.
Javier Neira, who recruits for the School’s teacher education programs, started his position in December 2020. Like many others, the pandemic taught him the value of family and life.
“It was great to be remind- ed that we are here to create human connections that last a lifetime and improve everyone’s lives,” said Neira. “I had the privilege to see my son grow up during his first year on earth. I want to make sure that he grows up in a world where he will not take the simple things in life for granted.”
As a recruiter, Neira also noted how this past fall he was looking forward to finally making connections on campus and in communities across Wisconsin.
“I believe my position can make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “What we are doing at the School will have long-lasting effects in our school districts.”