USU seniors reconcile their “last __” with no notice

Utah State University seniors are distraught over event and class cancellations and fear they might not be able to walk at graduation after USU announced classes are moving online March 12 to avoid spreading COVID-19. 

Tarren Jessop, a first generation senior majoring in psychology and sociology, said she understands the university’s decisions but is disappointed in the event cancellations. She is the vice president on the Student Alumni Association Executive Board, so many of the events she and her board planned are now cancelled. 

“I understand that these precautions are necessary for our well being and the well being of those around us,” Jessop said. “My committee has worked tirelessly over events that can no longer happen, and my heart is broken for them. But if it means a healthier campus environment, we accept what must be done.”

Jessop said she’s unsure of what will happen with graduation but knows the university sees it as a fundamental and important service. 

“I feel hopeful that those making the call will do everything in their power to make the best choice,” she said. “I do very much hope it can happen though. As a first generation student, this has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember,”

Jessop said if graduation cannot happen on its scheduled date, she hopes it will be postponed and rescheduled in the summer or later in the year. 

Ketzel Morales, a global communications major, is another first generation senior and works with the USU Student Association Series Committee and the Blue Crew to plan events.

“I’m currently super bummed out,” Morales said. “This is not how I expected my last seven weeks at USU to be. I am sad PoBev won’t be happening, since it’s one of my favorite events, so I feel like I took everything for granted.” 

Despite her sadness for the event cancellations, Morales said she understands why the university did what they did.

“I think it’s important to be safe in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, so our health system doesn’t get overwhelmed and those that need care get what they need,” she said.

Morales said she’s worried the graduation ceremony will be cancelled.  

“As cheesy as this sounds, this has been something I’ve dreamed about for years because I’m a first generation student and walking down the stage was more than just walking for me,” she said. “It was for my parents and for my future family. I really hope that we can figure out how to proceed with the ceremony.”

Morales said she wishes she could have had time to say goodbye to her professors and classmates, since she may not see them for a while or possibly ever again. 

Kaitlyn Crouch, a hydrogeology and engineering geology major, said she’s sad for the USU men’s basketball team, “especially Sam Merrill.”

Crouch said “USU is making the best of a hard situation” and she would rather not spread COVID-19. However, she said she’s still sad about everything being cancelled. 

“Honestly, while it’s a new adventure to have something like this happen, I’m bummed that it had to be now,” Crouch said. “I had planned on living the last couple of months here to the fullest.”

Crouch said she really hopes seniors can still walk at graduation. 

“It’s such a time of celebration and a time to remember what we’ve accomplished together,” she said. “Some of my classmates are like family to me and it’d be nice to have one last hoorah.”