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Student voices

The Covid pandemic upended schools and colleges, forcing students to navigate a new reality threw many of their plans into disarray. Even after schools returned to in-person instruction, students, teachers and communities have continued to struggle. In this section, hear first-hand from students about their experiences and how they are confronting the challenges they face as well as their perspectives and ideas for improving California’s education system.

Student voices
August 23, 2021

Sharing my pre-college journey of a lifetime

Recent high-school grad and first-generation college student advises other students: Stretch yourself and seek support from your school and communities.

Imahni Cheeks
Commentary
August 20, 2021

In their own words: Back to school, with Covid concerns

Members of the EdSource Community Network, including students, parents, teachers and early education providers talk about their back-to-school concerns in the face of the delta variant.

Andrew Reed
Student voices
August 13, 2021

What I learned while attending college 2,000 miles from my California campus during a pandemic

Though tough and lonely, a year of distance learning offered its own opportunities for growth and learning.

Emily Chung
Student voices
August 12, 2021

Here’s what I learned by taking seven virtual college courses in one semester

A student's perspective on college during Covid.

Briana Muñoz
College & Careers
August 6, 2021

Getting the Covid shot: California State University students react to vaccine mandate

California State University's decision to require all students and staff to be vaccinated before they can return to campus this fall has triggered a range of reactions from students.

By Mia Alva, Bella Arnold, Emily Chung, Taylor Helmes and Briana Munoz
Learning Well: Beyond the Pandemic
July 6, 2021

Looking ahead to college freshman year, students welcome help

The challenges of distance learning left many incoming freshmen worried about needing extra help to succeed in college.

California Student Journalism Corps
Student voices
June 27, 2021

For students in California, arts education is a civil rights issue

While arts programs support academic and school climate goals, they are often the first to be cut from the budget.

Sonia Patel Banker
Student voices
June 7, 2021

Reform Cal Grant and invest in community college students

Help with food and housing costs would enable more students to succeed and thrive in community college.

Iulia Tarasova and Stephen Kodur
Student voices
May 13, 2021

Finding our voices, and our research skills, during the pandemic

Surveying their peers provided high school students with unique insights on the effects of the pandemic.

Gustavo Aguilar, Alex Alejo, Guadalupe Laureano Carranza, Jamie-Lynn Juco, Nareli Juquilita Lopez and Adriana Rios-Cruz
California's Community Colleges: At a Crossroads
April 12, 2021

Why students are not attending California's community colleges

The pandemic upended enrollment across California's community colleges. Students dropped out or elected not to enroll after facing problems with child care, jobs, family illness and frustration with taking courses online.

By Melanie Gerner, Abraham Navarro, Taylor Helmes, Iman Palm and Jasmine Nguyen
California Student Journalism Corps 
March 16, 2021

What I wish I told my high school self about depression

I never imagined having to deal with all of my struggles all at once.

Taylor Helmes
California Student Journalism Corps 
March 5, 2021

Why I must earn a college degree as a parent of a young child

Returning to community college was no easy feat as a single mother and first-generation, low-income college student.

Melanie Gerner
Student voices
November 2, 2020

How college dreams helped me kick my habit

Once you realize that there is more to life than escaping your problems, the light at the end of the tunnel becomes a lot closer to reach.

Raven Brown
Student voices
October 5, 2020

Homeless college students in California brace for more uncertainty 

When students realize that moving back home with family or friends is not an option, campus resources become lifeboats. Learning to tap into those resources by any means available becomes a crucial life skill for such students.

Marisa Martinez, Paula Kiley and Rachel Barnes
Student voices
August 6, 2020

Why I choose to be a full-time student and essential worker

Balancing studies online and a heavier schedule at work can be overwhelming.

Iman Palm