As the events of early March unfolded and changed all over the country, Penn State student-athletes found themselves facing uncertainty and transition in their academic and athletic realities.
The Penn State fencing team, 2019 NCAA runner ups, was preparing for the 2020 NCAA Championship when the COVID-19 pandemic erupted. As the entire Penn State family works for ways to stay connected, we can check in with some members of head coach Wes Glon's fencing team to get some insight into how typical student-athletes reacted, adjusted and began the process of forging ahead in our current circumstance.
Today we check in with fencer Axelle Wasiak!
GoPSU: What was your first reaction when you heard that spring break had turned in to online learning?
A: I was very surprised. It was also very chaotic, everybody was trying to go home immediately, but I wasn't able to go back to Belgium yet because online learning was only for 1 month at that time. So, I was planning on going home with a friend. When Europe was saying they were going to close their borders I immediately went back home.
GoPSU: How have you been adapting to online learning?
A: Online learning was a pleasant adjustment. I was lucky that all my professors recorded the lectures, because with the time difference it would've been difficult to follow the live lectures. I could take notes and study at my own pace, which was really pleasant.
GoPSU: What has your family been doing together during this extended period of social distancing? Any family activities, etc.?
A: We aren't doing anything special. We just stay at home together. My family and I, we walk and bike a lot together.
GoPSU: What is the one thing you miss most right now about not being back at Penn State?
A: The thing I definitely miss the most is the team and all my friends. We weren't really able to say goodbye to everybody (not even to the seniors!), which makes me miss them more. I can't wait to see everybody in the fall!
GoPSU: How have you been keeping in contact with your teammates?
A: I call some of them on FaceTime or messenger.
GoPSU: What other things have you done during this time away from Happy Valley?
A: Now the semester is over , I didn't want to just sit at home and do nothing so I have found a job at a local supermarket!
