Nina Stone was in the middle of her junior year and facing a tough academic semester when the world turned upside down.

Like many, Stone was caught by surprise in March when SMC was forced to shift classes to online-only because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. She said she adapted quickly.

“It was definitely a sudden change that was very unexpected,” she said. “But no one gave up. The faculty members continued to work hard to provide an education. The faculty and students all gave 100 percent. We tried our best in every way we could, and I’m very proud of us.”

Stone, a history and religion major who graduated from Landrum High School in 2017, wasn’t surprised by SMC’s smooth transition to online learning and supported the decision to move to remote instruction.

Stone said as the months rolled by, she missed her friends more and more. She was able to stay in touch with them in a variety of ways.

“Sometimes I’d have their number so we would text or call,” she said. “But we also used Microsoft Teams, which was a great way to stay in contact with my peers and professors. It wasn’t just a great way to socialize, it was a great way to get help if I didn’t understand something.”

Stone said that Pioneers Together is more than just a new mantra or the name for the College’s reopening plan. It’s something she’s experienced during her entire college career.

“Throughout my years at Spartanburg Methodist College, no matter what situations we’ve faced, we’ve faced them together,” Stone said. “We know there are going to be challenges, and we don’t have to face them alone.”