Those Who Say "Back in My Day, I Couldn't Go to School"... All 'Assa' Class of 2020

Just Over Two Weeks Since Starting School
No Friends Made and Grades Are Mediocre
Even 21st Class Before Admission Feels Depressed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Jungyoon Lee and Suhwan Kim] Park Jeonghyun (20), a 20th class student at Sogang University who is scheduled to enlist in the military this August, envies friends who have already "escaped" to the military. His goal upon entering university was to become an "insider" (a person with good social skills) by building friendships with many peers at MT (Membership Training) and freshman welcome parties. However, with non-face-to-face (untact) classes, it is difficult even to cross the school gate, and meeting classmates in the same department is nearly impossible. Meanwhile, his grades, which he had hoped for, have been steadily declining. It is hard to get answers to questions and to concentrate on lectures. Lee Seokhee (20), also a 20th class student at the same university, had high expectations for meetings and university festivals before enrollment. But he actually attended classes on campus for only about two weeks during the entire year. He first went to school in November. Lee said, "I have only made six new friends at university."

The 20th class students whose university life was ruined by the COVID-19 pandemic sigh that after attending school for a year, they have nothing to show for it. Due to COVID-19, various university events were canceled one after another, and even attending school was difficult. Given this situation, the 20th class students sometimes refer to themselves as "old-timers" or "cursed class."

Disappointment with untact classes, proposed as an alternative when face-to-face classes were blocked, is also significant. Lee Seongrok (23), a 20th class student at Kangwon National University, said, "Some professors conducted online classes without any communication with students," adding, "Some professors just read class materials or reused first semester materials in the second semester." He continued, "From this year, the grading criteria for exams have been relaxed, reducing the distinction between students who studied hard and those who did not. I am confused about whether I studied hard or not, and I think this will affect me later when I look for a job."

As the 20th class students’ university life was ruined, the 21st class students preparing to enter university are also gloomy. They worry that the impact of COVID-19 will continue into 2021, making proper school life difficult. Kwon (19), who was admitted to Dankook University through early admission, said, "I want to join a baseball or car-making club, but I feel complicated because I probably won’t be able to participate in such activities," explaining, "If I cannot properly experience university life, I am worried that my lack of interpersonal experience will hold me back when I become a member of society." Kim Dongyeon (19), who was admitted to Baekseok University, also said, "I want to join a club to make new friends and enjoy hobbies together, but I feel bitter because I probably won’t be able to do that," adding, "I am worried that I will have to take online classes in university just like I did in my senior year of high school."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.