BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Many students of all ages in WNY are learning virtually. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and weather gets colder, many might be looking for things to do.
“Now I’m just doing ECC online, which, it’s definitely not the college experience, but it’s better than nothing,” said Allison Woltz, a freshman at Erie Community College.
Woltz, of Eden, was looking forward to joining clubs and picking up new hobbies and start her freshman year at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, but plans changed when classes went virtual.
As she focuses on her school work, one thing she says she can look forward to is class at Personal Best Talent.
“It’s definitely nice. It gives me something else to do other than school because there’s not much you can do with COVID,” said Woltz.
Woltz is taking classes about fashion, modeling and acting for TV commercials, some in person, others virtually.
"We have a four week seminar, one hour a week with students on how to nail the audition for a TV commercial, resumes, pictures and it was great,” said Susan Makai, Founder of Personal Best.
Personal Best was shut down from March to August, but in-person classes have resumed at smaller capacity and they now offer virtual seminars. Makai says offering virtual classes bring the added benefit of having teachers from all over the country.
“It gives you better perspective because you can talk to people that you wouldn’t be able to, just like in your area," said Woltz.
Personal Best is also holding virtual seminars on etiquette, styling and makeup for children and adults at all experience levels. Prices vary depending on the class and are all under $300.
And there are plenty of virtual options out there to explore, from online cooking and photography to art classes, coding and more.
"This is an opportunity for students to learn about themselves and try to gain the confidence they need in everything they do or anything they want to do,” said Makai.
