Starting school online was difficult, having to apply to colleges and scholarships online added even more stress to an already bad situation. Last semester, juniors were scheduled to attend library sessions for help with the application process from Go Center counselor Julie Rodriguez, but because of the COVID-19 quarantine that took effect immediately after spring break, sessions never happened. 

“This year it is stressful because it is harder to reach the students that are not doing their applications. In other years, I could pull them from another class and get them in the GO Center to get it done. This is no longer an option. I send emails and call parents but even this does not get the message through,” Rodriguez said.

Because of the new safety guidelines, college recruiters are not able to visit schools but they did find a solution. 

“I have gone to a couple of virtual events for Texas A&M, Baylor and UTSA but I don’t think they’re as effective because we don’t get to see the student life, though they do help with applications and get your name out there,” senior Veronica Burnham said.

Though the virus may have changed the minds of where some parents want to send their children, some students do not feel hindered and are even using it to their advantage. 

“I assume that by the time it’s our turn to head to college, the worst of the pandemic will have passed. If anything it’s better because I plan to major in music which requires auditions at the school but because of guidelines, I am allowed to send in recordings of my audition which saves me money,” senior Angel Galvez said. 

With college applications comes the troublesome financial aid process which also used to be done in sessions at the library.

“I have to wait for central office to determine how we will complete this task safely and efficiently for all of the YISD seniors and families. As a matter of fact, for the Class of 2022, it will be a graduation requirement to complete their FAFSA application throughout the State of Texas,” Rodriguez said. 

Even though these new circumstances are scary and uncomfortable, they can be an opportunity to grow.

“I think this new challenge of being on our own is coming at a great time. After high school, there isn’t going to be anybody who will walk us through these processes. We’re going to have to start understanding things on our own and if we can’t, we’ll have to improve our communication skills to reach out when we need it,” Galvez said.