By: Nicholas Kearley

Montevallo, Ala. – Is a return to regular university operations this fall for the best? Bell Jackson, a graphic design major with a minor in public relations, would say that it is.

“I’m happy to be back. It’s good seeing faces again and getting to remember that people actually exist” she said.

Over the past year, students have become so accustomed to online education that some might say they’ve even forgotten the way life used to be.

“Sometimes it was harder to understand the professor because of spotty internet, or they would assign work without ever really explaining how to do it” she said. This sentiment was felt by many students. As the pandemic came upon us quickly, proper technology training for staff was not attainable.

While Jackson did get used to hybrid and fully online learning, she is optimistic about campus resuming normal operations.

Bell speaking on some differences between remote and in person learning.

“Sometimes it was harder to understand the professor because of spotty internet, or they would assign work without ever really explaining how to do it” she said. This sentiment was felt by many students. As the pandemic came upon us quickly, proper technology training for staff was not attainable.

Jackson preferred hybrid classes over fully remote. She found it nice to be able to take the classes where she would benefit most in person. Some of her classes however would have been the same experience either on or offline.

“I think there are pros and cons to both online and in person. A hard part about returning is having to be at places at certain times or having to find ways to make money on the side. It was nice just being able to do most everything you need without leaving your house” said Jackson.

Ever since starting university, she has known that she wanted to go into the field of graphic design. Covid did not change this. She said that covid does not appear to have actually made it much harder to get into the field, unlike many others.

Jackson said that in this field a lot of the work can or is already done from home. So while it may not be any easier to find work, the actual work itself has not become harder due to work from home orders.

Bell looks forward to a regular school year and hopes that things can remain positive on campus.