This study delves into the college experiences and life history of students who attended Jackson State University after the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and students' academic performances in higher education. It explores the views of theorists as to the challenges and conflicts higher education students encountered. Hence, the existing literature shows diverse concepts on higher education and COVID-19. Some theorists argue that the sudden transition to online learning included weaknesses and challenges that would make it difficult for students to maintain persistent academic performance. Other theorists argue that despite the adverse changes in education, students encountered unexpected benefits from remote learning and learning during the time of a pandemic. Findings from this study indicated that the life study interviews provided notable evidence of advantages and disadvantages of the global pandemic and higher education students. All ten students agreed that even though they had to adapt and make changes from what was the norm, COVID-19 provided benefits to higher education institutions that will maximize learning opportunities. This study begins to identify problems that made it difficult for students to smoothly transition because of COVID-19. Educational institutions should aim to bring in initiatives to address issues that occurred during the pandemic to prepare for forthcoming disruptions in education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]