Destiny Rodriguez finds life more complicated compared to four years ago. 

“I’d say…I’m not too better off today compared to four years ago,” said Destiny Rodriguez, a sophomore Communication major. 

Rodriguez admits that much has changed since 2020, when schools were closed by the COVID-19 pandemic and classes were conducted online.  

Since those high school days, she has gotten interested in working with a company in the beauty and fashion industry.

“The fashion and beauty industry amuses me, so even if I were an event coordinator, I would be in the fashion and beauty industry,” she said.

While the pandemic had lasting effects on many people who were forced to isolate themselves for more than a year, Rodriguez is optimistic about the future.

“I don’t … feel like the pandemic has affected my ability to succeed in … college,” she said. “I did expect to be here and I’m taking it as it comes… I also expect to take more opportunities as I enter my junior year.”