[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n
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I think we can all agree that 2020 has thrown us many curveballs. And perhaps the biggest curveball yet is the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maybe this is your first time leaving home. Maybe the current \u201ccollege experience\u201d isn\u2019t what you pictured. Maybe you want to go back and return to a familiar place.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I don\u2019t blame you for having these thoughts.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n So, let\u2019s be honest with ourselves: right now, times are tough. But if we\u2019re being fully honest with ourselves, then we also must recognize that things will get better.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I understand that becoming a college student is a big deal–and you likely waited a while to finally enjoy the title.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n But just like you were patient with yourself to get to where you are now, I want you to be patient with yourself yet again.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n So, here are three reminders as you embark on this unprecedented journey.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/You_Are_Not_Alone-Kelsa-Myszewski-21.jpg” title_text=”You_Are_Not_Alone1280″ align=”center” admin_label=”Your Are Not Alone Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1 – You Are Not Alone” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Everyone can use some help sometimes. That\u2019s why WSU offers a wide variety of free support services for students of all levels.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″ collapsed=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Counseling Services” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A healthy body starts with a healthy mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Check in with your mental health, and reach out to our <\/span>confidential counselors<\/span><\/a> online or in-person if you want to talk to someone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are here for you.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Health & Wellness Services” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you start experiencing symptoms of the virus, everything is going to be okay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ping our <\/span>Ask-a-Nurse Message Line<\/span><\/a> and book a <\/span>wellness appointment<\/span><\/a> to get tested. Our nurses will also give you guidance on your next steps of care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are here for you.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.8″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tech Support & Academic Services” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When technology is more important than ever for your learning, the last thing you need to worry about is tech issues. So, contact <\/span>Tech Support<\/span><\/a> and let our experts troubleshoot your device.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then contact the <\/span>Warrior Success Center<\/span><\/a> if you want to <\/span>explore a major<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>get help with coursework<\/span><\/a>, or even <\/span>search for a job<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We are here for you.<\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/You_Can_Still_Graduate_on_Time-Kelsa-Myszewski-21.jpg” title_text=”You_Can_Still_Graduate_on_Time1280″ align=”center” admin_label=”You Can Still Graduate On Time Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”2 – You Can Still Graduate On Time” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may be wondering if taking online or hybrid classes sets you back for graduation. And I\u2019m happy to share that it doesn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before this semester began, our faculty put a lot of thought when converting in-person courses to online and hybrid options. Although your learning may look a little different, you\u2019re still getting the same quality education as you would have before the pandemic.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Plus, you\u2019re still earning academic credit and <\/span>progressing toward graduation<\/span><\/a>. Sure, the pandemic has upended many plans–but the good news is that you don\u2019t have to put your education on hold because Winona State is ready for you.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/You_Dont_Have_to_Sacrifice_Your_Social_Life-Tiegue-Elliott-22.jpg” title_text=”You_Dont_Have_to_Sacrifice_Your_Social_Life1280″ align=”center” admin_label=”Social Life Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”3 – You Don’t Have To Sacrifice Your Social Life ” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Making friends is another layer of the college experience you don\u2019t want to miss out on, and luckily you don\u2019t have to. Even now, there are <\/span>many ways to safely socialize<\/span><\/a> with potential friends and existing ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can connect with peers in your <\/span>graduating class<\/span><\/a> or in your <\/span>residence hall<\/span><\/a>. You can also get to know your classmates by using <\/span>D2L<\/span><\/a>. But if you\u2019d like a break from using your computer, no worries. There\u2019s plenty of <\/span>outdoor favorites<\/span><\/a> that you can do without leaving Winona.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In other words, you can still make friends, my friend.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n (However, I highly encourage you to avoid small or large in-person gatherings, especially without wearing a protective face covering.)<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/admissions\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2020\/09\/Celebrate_the_Little_Things-Kelsa-Myszewski-21.jpg” title_text=”Celebrate_the_Little_Things1280″ align=”center” admin_label=”Celebrate the Little Things Image” _builder_version=”4.4.8″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.4.8″]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\u00a0<\/h3>\n
1. You are not alone.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Counseling Services<\/b><\/h4>\n
Health & Wellness Services<\/b><\/h4>\n
Technical Support & Other Academic Support Services<\/b><\/h4>\n
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2. You can still graduate on time.<\/b><\/h3>\n
3. You don\u2019t have to sacrifice your social life.<\/b><\/h3>\n
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One more reminder: celebrate the little things. You made it through your first week of college during a global pandemic–you should be proud of yourself. I know I am!<\/b><\/h3>\n