Without a campus or traditional resources, some Gen Z students are postponing their education—but it has its pros and cons. 

Without a campus or traditional resources, some Gen Z students are postponing their education—but it has its pros and cons. YPulse’s Gen Z’s Education Interrupted report found that 60% of college students say COVID has changed their college plans—and for some, that means waiting on getting it started. According to Princeton University, more than 700 students, including 17% of incoming freshmen, took deferrals or leaves of absence this year, while more than 20% of Harvard University’s incoming freshman class deferred. Some students organized their own months-long “creative collectives” without oversight or advice from professors, or academic credit. Others are taking small jobs as proofreaders, long distance tutors, campaign volunteers, researchers, or delivery people for DoorDash—and in some cases are pursuing their passions and hobbies. However, finding work or activities has become much harder this year since the virus has forced many programs to limit travel and capacity. Many students who paused education “are hoping that a vaccine will bring campuses back to normal by the time they return.” (WSJ)