Back to Class

Summer break has come to an end and classes are back in session. Although students are experiencing the familiar longing for summer, they are not letting it fog their motivation. 

 

A returning sophomore to Westfield State University, Audra McMahon, had a bittersweet parting with her summer break, but is ultimately glad to be back.

“Starting classes again is certainly a huge change in routine - not necessarily in a bad way though,” McMahon said. “Turning on the academic brain can be a challenge, but then it almost feels better to have a set schedule.” 

There is a generally positive consensus amongst the returning students on adjusting to being in the school atmosphere again. Megan King, a junior, majoring in English, feels refreshed to be back on campus. 

 

“Although summer was great, it feels good to be at school,” King said. “Being here helps me stay productive and brings me one step closer to finishing my degree.”

The Westfield State University fall semester began September 5, welcoming in a new freshman class, transfers, and returning undergraduates.

Amongst the new incoming students was Marie Boyd, who just began a graduate program studying public relations for non-profit organizations.

“What I’m learning in class is directly applicable to what I do at my job,” said Boyd, who is a volunteer management intern for AmeriCorps VISTA. “Anytime you can see the direct application of the knowledge from the classroom, it is inspiring and helpful, which ultimately contributes to an increase in motivation.”

This motivation is also stemmed from the entire classroom environment. “Being surrounded by people interested in learning, and a professor who wants to share the knowledge of their field is always an uplifting feeling,” Boyd concluded.