By Grace Johnson, Feb. 2, 2021
Cal Poly Pomona seniors have faced the challenge of finishing their college careers virtually. Although it has been a difficult and sometimes lonely time for many, students enjoy reminiscing about campus life and sharing things they wish they would have utilized more before the COVID-19 pandemic robbed them of an in-person experience.
Seniors continue the wait to hear if they will have a virtual or an in-person commencement and are working to finish their academic careers off strong in the meantime.
Claire Bold | Fourth-year landscape architecture student
“Because of my major, I spent a ton of time physically in my studio with my other classmates, often late into the night. I have so many fun memories of walking down the ENV hill on warm nights to go get dinner, then trekking back up the hill to see the sunset and ending up watching movies on the projector while ‘working’ on our projects. Very little work got done, but none of us were really there for anything but the family-like company. I definitely would’ve soaked those moments up even more if I had known they would be gone so soon.”
Justin Janis | Fourth-year international business student
“If I could go back to the campus, I would use the BRIC and the library more. My routine while attending in-person classes was usually study on the 5th floor in between classes and end the day with a workout. These are probably the things I miss the most from campus with an honorable mention to a splash of Panda Express.”
Deanna Perez | Fourth-year apparel merchandise & management (production) student
“The thing I miss most about being on campus is running into my friends and being able to socialize! I also loved having GE classes because it made me branch out and meet new people who maybe didn’t have the same interests as me. This is a big way to network and grow as a person. If I could go back, I would have used the Career Center a lot more. Now I realize the big opportunities they were offering that I just let slide by.”
Anahit Sashoyan | Fourth-year business administration student
“Though I have adjusted to virtual learning, knowing my senior year will not be spent on campus has been saddening to say the least. Commuting was once dreadful for me, but I’ve come to miss absolutely everything about CPP, from study sessions in the library to weekly American Marketing Association meetings. Going back to campus before graduation to savor these moments one last time would be bittersweet and truly the best goodbye.”