Alone during a pandemic: Local 'moms' provide parental support for UNC students stuck on campus

A group of Chapel Hill women have stepped up to provide the parental support and nurturing of a 'mom' for students, many of whom are international of from out-of-state, who are stuck on UNC campus during this uncertain semester.

Posted 10:01 p.m. Aug 20, 2020 — Updated 10:08 p.m. Aug 20, 2020

Richard Adkins

, WRAL photojournalist

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Facing multiple clusters of COVID-19, lots of unplanned moving and a shift to online education, many students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are facing stressors that go way beyond common college stress.

A new program might help some of these students – many of them far from home – to get a helping hand from 'Mom' during uncertain times.

To help students deal with the challenges, Megan Chandler and her group of Chapel Hill / Carborro Moms decided to step in.

UNC students cancel housing contracts, begin moving out as classes go virtual

College is meant to be a time of transition that helps young adults move into adulthood in a protected environment. College days should be full of making new friends, studying on the square, walking to class with a companion or just biking on bricks. But this semester, campus life is much darker – and, for some, scarier.

Some UNC students opened up with WRAL News and shared how overwhelmed and anxious they felt.

"There's just a overwhelming frustration for all of us," said Marinna Rodriguez.

"There's a lot of stress going on, with coronavirus and classes starting back," said Scott Connelly.

Other students focused on how empty and lonely the campus feels now.

UNC students cancel housing contracts, begin moving out as classes go virtual

"I'm by myself throughout the day," said Maria Blevins.

"It's so empty here, there's barely anyone," said Justice Sexton.

Some students are international or out-of-state and have no where to live off campus, so they're staying in the dorms. Many of these young adults are far from home.

All alone, away from their family during a pandemic.

"Sometimes just need to decompress with someone," said Anayancy Estacio.

"The pandemic, that's a big struggle for me," said Maria Blevins.

When Chandler heard through the grapevine that there were students, especially international students, who were feeling alone, left out and concerned for their safety, she rallied her moms group to connect them with parents who can provide a listening ear, some guidance or even help with tasks like moving.

Fourth cluster of coronavirus reported in UNC student housing

The moms group is connecting these students with parents who can provide a listening ear, some guidance or even help with tasks like moving.

"It's a chance for parents to connect with them and reassure them they are not alone," said Chandler.

She knows what it's like to be in college when the nation is facing tough times.

"When I was a freshman, I went through 9/11. I was horrified, so scared, 600 miles from my family," she said.

"I feel like a lot of people are missing a lot of emotional support," said Rodriguez.

"Just having someone to talk to, to listen, people really need," said Connelly.

So far, 20 students have reached out for help from the group, and organizers feel many more are still to come, because students say there is still a lot to talk about.

If you are a UNC student who feels like you need a connection, there's a form here to help connect you with a parental figure and listening ear.

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