Stepping back on campus this fall was surreal.

As a current sophomore, my first year of college was very different from the traditional college experience. I graduated high school right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every person I spoke to would always ask what it was going to be like starting this new chapter of my life amidst an ever-changing situation.

I did not get the traditional freshman year. I experienced limited capacity Auburn football without marching band performances or the Eagle Flight. Zoom and Canvas were the only ways I interacted with my peers, and I never sat in a crowded lecture hall (though I probably didn’t miss out on much there). My first experience in college was confined to the walls of my dorm room and hidden behind a mask. Although getting out to meet people was difficult, I did my best to socialize and get involved on campus. I was able to use technology to my advantage to stay connected with others, and even met some of my best friends through Instagram direct messages and in group chats.

Coming back this semester to begin my sophomore year was a stark difference. I had never seen campus as bustling or crowded as it is. All of my classes are back in person, and I’ve learned it’s a lot harder to get to class when you have to be physically present. Like many other sophomores (or as I like to call us: freshmores), I still don’t know where many buildings are on campus. It’s been a learning process, however, I wouldn’t give up the unique experience I had for anything else.

Living my first year at Auburn via the lens of a pandemic was a defining experience. Getting to enjoy college for real this year made me really appreciate the little things more. Even though it was different, I was able to make the most out of my circumstance and I still had an amazing freshman year. I guess being a freshmore isn’t too bad after all.

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Erika D.