PUEBLO — As COVID-19 continues to impact universities across the country, some college students are struggling to adapt to the new normal.
David Siguenza with Pueblo Community College works with minority students. He says some of them are having a hard time adjusting to the changes around them.
"I believe COVID has pushed our Latino community, our students, and their families out of their comfort zone. They’ve had to adapt to an era filled with uncertainties," said Siguenza.
He says this has caused additional stress upon their students, which has affected their relationships with themselves, families and spouses.
Siguenza says students are struggling with remote learning and navigating the technology required for their classes.
"I’m seeing they're having a learning curve. They have to put a lot of time and effort to seem like they’re accomplishing anything," said Siguenza. "Some of them may not be used to operating computer programs and that is another barrier we are having to deal with.
Some students are also having to deal with the lack of technology and access to internet services.
"Many of them are used to coming on campus where we provide internet, we provide laptops. So that was the initial barrier and we’ve resolved some of those barriers by giving them resources to obtain laptops and internet services," said Siguenza.
Students are also having to share everything while they're at home which is causing their internet to slow down.
"I’ve heard from multiple students, I can’t wait for my kids to go back to school or I need to get out of the house and I think it’s so stressful in that enclosed environment," said Siguenza.
For some students, English is their second language and primarily in the home. If they’re a non-traditional student, Siguenza says there could be a breakdown with communicating with that technology
"I just visited a student, he’s a younger student, so I wouldn’t think that technology would be an issue. He was very frustrated," said Siguenza.
He says some students are also dealing with a lack of resources, money, and food. To help students, the college has a food pantry on campus and partnerships with Housing Solutions and Catholic Charities.
For students feeling overwhelmed or stressed, they can visit counselors in the wellness center. Find more resources by clicking here.
