With students returning to campus after an extended winter break, Lander University is abuzz again.
"The best part of being back is the time spent just chilling with my dormmates," said David Jeffrey, a junior biology major from Irmo.
Bree Kelly, a junior English major from Carrollton, Ga., sounded a similar note.
"The best part about being back on campus is getting to reconnect with everyone I missed while being away over winter break," she said.
Kelly has a hectic schedule this semester. In addition to serving as a presidential ambassador, she also works for The Lander Foundation and Alumni Affairs, and is taking six English classes.
"So far, I am enjoying them and the challenge that they bring," she said.
Katie Walenceus, a sophomore music education major from Greenwood, said she is excited to be taking an applied percussion and brass class from Professor of Music Dr. Reed Gallo and Adjunct Professor of Music Matthew Jones. She has spent the first week of the spring semester "collecting my applied lessons schedule, and catching up with my roommate," she said.
Walenceus was asked what she is doing to stay safe during the pandemic.
"I've been trying to study in my dorm instead of in the library, paying close attention to washing my hands, and keeping my distance in our classrooms," she said.