Home » Blog » The COVID Experience From a Student Perspective

The COVID Experience From a Student Perspective

How Shenandoah Sophomore Max Myers Describes 10 days in Isolation

The Student Experience

Shenandoah University sophomore Max Myers was anxious when he heard that he’d have to isolate for 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. He wasn’t sure what to expect.

“There were a lot of unknowns going into it,” he said.

Myers was one of nearly 1,000 residential students tested for COVID-19 during Move-In Days at Shenandoah in August and one of only a handful of these students to receive a positive result.

Myers’ experience started a day after being tested for COVID-19, when he received a confirmation email from the Wilkins Wellness Center stating that he had tested positive for the virus. The executive director of the center, Hanan Kallash, called to chat about his results and the next steps for isolation. She told him that he would move into an isolation room in South Campus Commons and be monitored daily.

Ericka Rohrbaugh, the assistant director of residential services, showed him his temporary room and gave him his key card. To make students feel connected, the Office of Residence Life provides those in isolation and quarantine with a welcome folder called “The Campus Connection” that contains FAQs about adjusting to quarantine/isolation as well as information about academic support and virtual campus events.

Our goal is to make sure the transition into and out of quarantine and isolation is smooth and that students feel supported throughout the entire process. Our Residence Life team is available 24/7 to help answer questions and connect students to resources.”

Ericka Rohrbaugh | Assistant director of residential services

The Wilkins Wellness Center also hands out a care package of health resources to students in isolation/quarantine that includes masks, a thermometer, and some over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol and cough drops.

Over the next 10 days, Myers received food delivery from Sodexo, began taking classes online through ShenFlex and received calls from the Wilkins Wellness Center to see how he was doing. To his surprise, he also received calls from both Shenandoah President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D., and Vice President for Student Affairs Yolanda Barbier Gibson, D.A.

It’s nice to see your leaders do that. It definitely helped being reached out to. It was nice feeling support from people you don’t even think know you.”

Max Myers, ’23

Although Myers was disappointed to miss attending his first week of classes in-person and although his time in isolation went slowly, he said the experience was really important and necessary.

I would tell someone going through this that it’s going to be difficult, but it’s only a temporary thing. Everyone here is strong enough to get through it. You’re doing something that protects others around you and preserves our stay at the university, hopefully all semester.”

Max Myers, ’23

Categories: , , ,

Recent News

Headshots of Dr. Yunita Anwar (left) and Dr. John Winn (right), both of the Shenandoah University School of Business

WalletHub Taps Two SU Professors for Insight and Advice

Drs. Winn and Anwar Talk Insurance and Improving Credit

Shenandoah Pharmacy Graduates Secure Competitive PGY2 Residency Matches

Four pharmacy graduates advance into competitive PGY2 residencies in pediatric, psychiatric pharmacy, oncology, and investigational drugs and research

Professor explains content on a screen in a Shenandoah University educational leadership doctoral class.

New Higher Ed Concentration Offered in Shenandoah University’s Educational Leadership Doctoral Programs

Course topics delve into the primary responsibilities of higher education leaders

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

Monthly Archives