The class of 2024 had a unique freshman year experience. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, students had to navigate online learning and feelings of isolation in addition to the typical challenges that college students face.

Four years later, ready to walk across the graduation stage, members of the class of 2024 reflected on their time at the University of Mississippi.

Senior criminal justice major Deja Johnson said she experienced the negative effects of COVID-19.

“During freshman year I would describe myself as scared,” Johnson said. “I didn’t really do much. I wasn’t a part of any organizations on campus. Classes were hybrid (because of the pandemic), so I really barely left my dorm if it wasn’t for work or food. I was always in my dorm doing homework or just watching TV.”

Senior biological science major Caitlin Thrash entered college in the middle of the pandemic as well. Thrash was focused on maintaining some form of normalcy during her freshman year.

“I would describe myself as a driven student who was learning how to balance school, being away from home for the first time and making new friends as well as navigating involvement on campus during COVID,” Thrash said.

Thrash said that, although the pandemic was a difficult experience, she did not let it change her as a person.

“I don’t think that COVID had much impact on how much I changed as a person during college, but it definitely did make some of our experiences during freshman and sophomore year look different than they traditionally would,” Thrash said.

For some, including senior biochemistry major Kasia Hosey, the pandemic had little impact on their freshman year experience.

“I don’t necessarily think that COVID had any impact on how much I’ve changed during college. I think COVID primarily impacted the end of my high school career,” Hosey said. “Submerging myself into all the good that comes with being an Ole Miss student had the most impact on changing me.”

Thrash said that although the pandemic caused the students to miss out on some key freshman experiences, it is part of what brings the class together.

“I loved my college experience so much,” Thrash said. “Granted, there were a few things I think that the seniors wish we could have had our freshman year, but we had our own unique experience that helped shape us into a fantastic graduating class. I will always love the friends I have made here and the experiences that I have been so lucky to be a part of.”

When the UM campus opened back up in 2021, the class of 2024 was able to get a taste of the typical college experience.

Johnson is a member of the Xi Zeta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. She said her involvement has opened many doors for her throughout her time at the university.

“Being an active member of (Sigma Gamma Rho) affected me in so many ways,” Johnson said. “I was able to meet people and network with a lot of different faculty and staff when it came to booking events or looking for a keynote speaker at those different events. I believe I’ve benefited greatly from joining this great sorority. It has helped me grow as a person and a leader.”

Hosey described part of her academic experience.

“I describe the fall of my sophomore year as ‘the trenches’ because it was probably the most crippling period of my undergraduate career academically,” Hosey said. “I wouldn’t say that I took my hardest classes of college this year, but this was the year that made me break my need for academic validation.”

Thrash described the academic and social changes that she has been through.

“I would say the biggest change that I have observed in myself academically is my ability to learn more efficiently and thoroughly rather than just understanding class information on a surface level,” Thrash said. “As far as social changes I would say that I have become much more confident in my abilities in leadership and friendships, a lot of which is due to my friends who have pushed me to be the best version of myself.”

Hosey, Thrash and Johnson all gave advice to incoming students.

“To the incoming freshman, I’d simply say to not wish a moment by. When school is stressful, remember that a singular grade does not dictate your entire future –– even though it may feel like it,” Hosey said. “Your time at Ole Miss is one you’ll never want to give up, but it’s only as good as you allow it to be.”

Thrash said that getting involved is one of the best decisions she has made since entering college four years ago.

“I would tell incoming freshmen to get involved on campus in whatever way you can, whether it is clubs, sports, greek life, or academics,” Thrash said. “There are so many fun ways to get involved, and you will meet so many new people through those experiences who may open doors for you down the road. I would also tell them to just remember that every single freshman is in the same boat and to not be too hard on yourself as you learn over the course of the year.”

Johnson echoed Hosey and Thrash.

“(You have) to get involved,” Johnson said. “You Don’t have to wait until your sophomore or junior year to start joining organizations; start forming connections and building relationships now, and I promise you won’t regret it”

Johnson and Thrash also gave advice to rising seniors.

“Finish strong. If you didn’t have an amazing (first three years), it doesn’t matter,” Johnson said. “If you don’t have the GPA your friends have, at the end of the day your diploma will say the same thing: ‘The University of Mississippi.’ So, stay true to yourself and be a light for someone else.”

Thrash’s sentiments were geared toward slowing down and taking in the last few moments of college.

“I would tell rising seniors to enjoy every single second of their last year because it goes by so fast,” Thrash said. “One day you will blink and Ole Miss will be posting ‘10 days to graduation,’ and it will feel so surreal. Enjoy every second that you have with your friends whether it is studying or getting dinner together.”