“I feel like the college is taking the best precautions possible, but the bitter part is being barely able to do anything,” says Lucheyla Celestino ’23, one of several Amherst students quoted in a Daily Hampshire Gazette article that details the successes and struggles of the College’s pandemic plan.
The article, by Jacquelyn Voghel, also quotes communications from President Biddy Martin. It describes the geographical, social and recreational restrictions placed on students living and studying within Amherst’s “campus-centered bubble,” and how the students have generally been willing to comply with the rules in order to prevent COVID-19 from spreading within and around the College. The students interviewed express some boredom and grief, but also say they feel safe and appreciate being on campus with friends.
The piece briefly hints at possible adjustments and enhancements to campus life for the spring semester (though most of the restrictions will likely remain in place) and also compares and contrasts Amherst’s approach to those of Hampshire, Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges and UMass Amherst.