Asking Students: How Did the Pandemic Affect Your Life?

UC Davis students reflect on their pandemic experiences — from Zoom classes to socializing.

by Shelby Dioum
March 18, 2025

Five years ago, the global COVID-19 pandemic changed the trajectory of lives all around the world. For many students, it served as a defining moment in their academic careers. To mark this five-year milestone, we asked seven UC Davis students to reflect on their pandemic experiences and how it affected their educations and perspectives on the future.

Photography by Gregory Urquiaga

A young woman with dark hair tied back in a casual style is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a brown "UC Davis" sweatshirt, a gold heart-shaped necklace, and a light pink backpack. The background is slightly blurred, showing a sunny outdoor setting with trees.

Jennifer Rodriguez-Alonso

First-year graduate student, human development

“I was an undergraduate student at San Jose State when the pandemic hit. I had to go back home due to all the uncertainty. I was trying to do online classes and also make sure my brothers were in their classes as well.

I’m grateful now for all the interactions I can have with friends and groups, no matter how big or small. You don’t realize how much that has an impact on your life until it’s gone.”

A young woman with shoulder-length brown hair and light skin is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a denim jacket over a floral-patterned top and gold dangling earrings. The background features a green grassy area with people sitting and walking, trees, and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Luisa Bertolli

Second-year, environmental policy

“COVID interrupted my freshman year of high school. I remember thinking that it would just be an extended spring break.

Quarantine was overall a positive experience for me. I was able to stay engaged during Zoom school, and I found a lot of independence in that alone time. I was able to learn about myself and figure out who I was, but now that we’re past that time, it’s nice to be able to apply all that I’ve learned to real life.”

A young man with short black hair, a beard, and glasses is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a gray sweatshirt with a letter patch on the chest and carrying a black backpack. The background features a sunlit college campus with trees, green grass, and a white building with large windows.

Victor Rodriguez

Second-year graduate student, human development

“I was in my undergraduate here at the start of the pandemic. I couldn’t go back home because I was an essential worker at the time, so it was kind of tough. I couldn’t just drop my financial commitments like rent.

I like that there’s better access to all the buildings and resources on campus now that the pandemic is over. It’s hard to get support through Zoom.”

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin is smiling softly at the camera. She is wearing a black puffer jacket with a fur-lined hood and carrying a light-colored backpack. The background features a neutral beige wall with a white railing.

Adamari Alvarado

Second-year, biological sciences

“I was a freshman in high school at the beginning of it all. I thought the pandemic made school easier at first because I was able to do more classes and thrive more, but it really affected my social life. It wasn’t until senior year when I actually pushed myself to meet new people and go to school events.”

A young man with wavy brown hair and light skin is smiling at the camera. He is wearing a green Patagonia fleece pullover. The background features a sunlit grassy area with trees and a lamppost.

Sam Noah

Second-year, political science

“Both of my parents were health care workers in the pandemic, so they were really strict with me and my siblings. Athletics were also shut down, which was hard because I was used to being in a sport my whole life.

In college or work, post-pandemic, we have a lot more virtual opportunities, but I find myself shying away from those. COVID made it clear that I’m not as engaged or as interested in topics when they’re happening online. I think the opportunity to be on campus again and in a classroom is very valuable to me.”

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark green short-sleeved top with a V-neckline. The background features a sunlit grassy area with trees.

Simone Ferrigno

First-year, applied chemistry and Spanish

“I was in eighth grade when things started shutting down. It was hard transitioning into high school and doing Zoom classes. And then there was a domino effect where I didn't know anyone in my sophomore year. Sophomore year was essentially my freshman year.

I’ll never take everyday interactions for granted. I love walking through the hall, seeing someone, and being, like, ‘Oh, hey!’”

A young woman with shoulder-length, wavy light brown hair and light skin is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a loose-fitting white T-shirt. The background features a sunlit grassy field with people sitting in the distance.

Charlotte De Roulhac

Second-year, neurobiology, physiology and behavio

“Five years ago seems so far away, but I remember the pandemic very well. I was really stressed with school at the time, so in the beginning I saw the pandemic as just a nice halt. But then I came back to school, and I didn’t really know anyone anymore. By the end of my senior year, I was able to re-establish myself, but I think about how things would have been different if the pandemic never happened.”

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