Fall semester 2021 begins at Western Kentucky University

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- With vehicles moving, and students walking about, Monday marked the start of the fall semester 2021 at Western Kentucky University. A big day for students like senior Carley Stone, who says she’s ready to get back and finish strong.

“I’m really excited to get back in the swing of things. I’ve been working all summer, and it’s finally good to be back on campus and see all these familiar faces,” Stone said.

This new semester comes as 2020 brought hybrid models of learning, meaning seniors like Stone are now experiencing more of what’s considered the usual college life. Masks are required indoors, but Stone says it’s a small price to pay to being back on the hill.

“I’m just really excited to go into my senior year, and finally get back into how things used to be before the pandemic started, if all goes according to plan,” Stone said.

WKU director of media relations Jace Lux echoes Stone’s statements on the return to campus,

“This is what it’s all about. The first day, everyone’s excited, everyone is happy to be here, and there’s just an energy when the students are on campus that is not possible to replicate when they’re not here,” Lux said.

Both students and university staff encourage other students to make the absolute most of their time on the hill.

“You only get this college experience once, and it’s a very important time in your life, but it’s also a time to try new things in a way that you won’t ever have that opportunity in the future,” Lux said.

“Put yourself out there, have a good time and do the most to make the most of your college experience,” Stone added.