With cancelled sports seasons, events and a limited number of students and university personnel on campus, Boise State’s morale is scarce compared to previous years. Campus is experiencing a major culture loss due to the lack of traffic that is usually on campus this time of year.
For Beth Manor, a senior multidisciplinary studies major, the lack of school spirit seems to embody how students will connect and engage with one another. According to Manor, she felt she lost in-person classes, friends and campus engagement in March when Boise State went online.
“We lost so many things in the spring, such as the majority of the student body coming to campus,” Manor said. “You’d think for a new school year we’d be getting those things back, but we’re continuing to lose things.”
So many of her experiences on campus were connected to sports and events, but as many of those have been canceled or moved into virtual spaces, Manor feels as if she is losing out on making memories.
“Sports and events are a huge part of the college experience. But now that those things aren’t happening, the college spirit is lacking. There’s positive memories I just won’t be able to make this semester,” Manor said.
Alexis Walsh, a junior biology major, feels a similar way. According to Walsh, being on campus is where the excitement of the university lies.
“Students want the same energy we had before, but it’s just not going to be the same. People I used to talk to every day I haven’t talked to in months, it’s just not the same energy,” Walsh said.
Walsh is also concerned about adjusting to the new normal of campus life during the coronavirus pandemic after being removed from campus since March.
“It’s scary because we haven’t dealt with something like this before. It’s going to be hard to get back into the loop and get excited for things again,” Walsh said.
According to Walsh, students will try their best to adjust to the new campus life and the different atmosphere it provides. She believes it will be a noticeable difference.
“Campus is a fun and welcoming environment when there’s not a complete lack of energy like there is now,” Walsh said.
For Clare Tester, a junior rhetoric, composition and family studies major, the campus is still a caring and welcoming environment.
“Although it’s going to be a super different year because of the amount of online classes everyone has to take, I’ve noticed the campus is still caring,” Tester said. “The professors are here to offer support. The future is unknown, but I’m blessed to go to BSU. I will miss the fun of going back to school and meeting everyone.”
According to Tester, she feels that the Boise State community will be able to get through this together, despite the challenges the pandemic has been providing.
“Things look way different and you may feel like you’re missing out on a normal campus life, but this is going to make you stronger. Just because it’s not a regular semester doesn’t mean you won’t get the same amount of support; just ask for what you need,” Tester said.
Tester is optimistic for the fall semester and feels that, though it’s a challenge, the student body can bond and form great connections.
“We are Broncos,” Tester said. “We can get through this.”
