Members of the
OVC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently had a virtual meeting to discuss items that were impacting student-athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the group discussed how they are engaging with their teammates, how they are doing course work remotely, what they have learned during social distancing and what they miss the most about being on campus.
Our fifth feature is with UT Martin rifle athlete
Celia Gelpey. Celia is a senior from Danvers, Massachusetts. This past year she competed in 10 matches and earned CRCA Scholastic All-American honors. She is majoring in veterinary medicine.
What has been a pleasant surprise about your current situation learning and engaging remotely?
"A pleasant surprise about my current situation learning and engaging remotely has been that many vet schools have waved the GRE requirement this application cycle, so I do not have to take it."
What is one tip you have learned to successfully complete your academic work remotely?
"One tip I have learned to successfully complete my academic work remotely is to make checklists and complete assignments as they are assigned rather than waiting until the last minute."
What have you done to keep a positive attitude during our social distancing?
"To keep a positive attitude during our social distancing I returned home and have gone back to work at a local animal hospital; this keeps me busy and allows for some human interaction."
What have you learned about yourself in this time of adversity?
"I have learned that I am less of an introvert that I previously thought."
What have you missed most about not being on campus this spring?
"I have missed spending time with the UTM community and miss spending the last few months of many friends' college years with them."