Returning to campus

By Kellie Alexander

The term “return to work” has been circulating around as we prepare for a post-pandemic lifestyle. However, we are not returning to work; we never left.

We are transitioning back in person but in a different, constantly changing, hybrid manner that has us all anxious and leading with safety measures like never before. As students, we did not stop going to class. Instead of rushing to campus, fighting for parking, and then walking a mile to sit in a desk seat, we flipped on our laptops and drank coffee from bed while watching a lecture. Work we had may have changed, but it never ended.

Returning to campus is something many of us dreamed of, myself included. Freshmen dreamed of stepping onto campus for their first official class and graduates dreamed of having an in-person graduation to celebrate with loved ones. Unprecedented times led all those dreams to take a back seat while we as students did the best we could, with what we had, where we were.

However, now we have a chance to get those dreams back, at least the ones we can have right now. We can pack our bags and get a to-go coffee for the walk to class. We can pack a mask for safe keeping and bring back the life to our IUPUI campus.

Our dreams of having a college life back to complete normality might still take a little while, but with the safety and guidance of our community officials, we can make a start. When heading back to campus and to the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, I have some tips to share with you that may help in making the transition a little easier.

• Go see the third floor of University Hall. The school missed you and our staff and faculty cannot wait to either meet you for the first time, or the 51st time.
• Attend events. Whether the event is still virtual or has begun to take place in-person, help bring the Jaguar pride back to life by showing up and showing support.
• Still engage our distance learners. Time on Zoom allowed us all to engage with audiences that were miles away. Let’s keep that going and keep our virtual audiences involved with what is happening in Indianapolis.
• Ask for help. Coming back to campus full-time may be difficult. Ask for help from your Lilly Family School of Philanthropy community. They are here to help you succeed.
• Continue to be flexible. For some students, we were still on campus even during the pandemic. However, mask wearing, gathering, and health guidelines have all changed. Stay up to date with the latest information by checking your IU email or looking at the IUPUI Restart site. This can help you know the most current news.
• Have fun! Being on campus is an incredible experience. IUPUI comes to life with fairs, tabling, and free giveaways (hopefully free pizza can come back?). Stay connected and stay safe as we transition into an unknown new chapter.
• But most of all, take care of you! No matter if you are transitioning back to campus or keeping a fully online schedule, daily demands are stressful and can be overwhelming. Take time for yourself and check in on how you are doing. Your Lilly Family School of Philanthropy community is here. We are in this together!

Kellie Alexander, B.A.‘21, is currently pursuing her accelerated master’s degree in philanthropic studies. Kellie also received a minor in community health, certificate in philanthropic fundraising, and was named an IUPUI Top 10 Student and William M. Plater Civic Medallion Recipient in 2021.