What do you think of when you hear the word “pandemic” now in the year 2020? You would typically think of COVID, or how you should wear your mask, or even how much hand sanitizer you need to put on after every meal. Well, I do not think of any of those above. My primary thought has been one single word having a deeper meaning- school.
The school year of 2019-2020 was supposed to be one for my most amazing memories- Six Flags with my friends, going to the prom with a date, and walking across the stage with a real diploma in my hands as the fireworks played on. That didn’t turn out because of the COVID changing the whole experience — but I pushed through. I told myself I had to do better in college, and leave my years of high school in the past. But, the summer after I finished those important 12 years, I took two online classes at the college. I went into it excited, but soon got distracted by the joys of social media, and the remainder of my teenage kid life. I went through a rough patch, and ended up doing very poorly – ending both classes with a “C.”
After that moment of clarity, I knew I had to step it up! I enrolled in 4 online courses, and prepared all the way from two weeks to the day before class first started. I told myself to do better this school year, with no distractions. So, I put my phone up every day until I was done with homework that day. Learning online is hard, without having that face to face connection with my classmates…but, I manage. It won’t be the “first year of the college experience” that I have heard so much about. Yet, I will strive to gain the best education I can — and I wait for that day when I’m able to see you all in person again.
Some of the most persistent problems with not having that connection with my peers face to face include:
- Using Zoom causes a sense of socialization for me, but I cannot help but deeply miss that initial connection with classmates. I personally do not mind the Zoom, but the feeling of going the whole first semester with only knowing people over Zoom…I would say it is hard. But, I can adapt knowing that I am protecting those I love by not going out and socializing.
- A big problem for me is not having the proper help in my classes, and I know I am not the only one out there. My mind is struggling to comprehend aspects of homework, for example, and I need help on a math problem. My first instinct would be to get assistance from a Professor, but emailing them takes longer than the problem itself. My tip to you would be to schedule tutoring, or even try to digitally connect with your peers! It has helped me so far, and I can say to you it is beneficial.
- Now, this last issue does not pertain to COVID, but the trials being a Freshman itself. You might be stressed, scared, or excited that it is Year One of the rest of your college life – I myself, am nervous. But, trust me, it will get easier and college studies will become like a second nature to you. In a way, I’m writing this blog as a reference for myself whenever I will get stressed or worried over something for school- or even life.
So, truthfully, yes — COVID changed my life. But, I won’t let it stop me from becoming the best I can in school, and in my everyday life. And remember, if you need help or assistance, don’t forget to reach out to someone you love! They are your closest teachers, your parents, or your closest friends! I trust in you to become something great whether it’s in your school, mind, or community; even despite all the restrictions COVID 19 has set. We all have the ability to overcome or work through restrictions, obstacles and inhibitions, we just need the drive.
Good luck to you all, and keep safe!
Comment Policy: Comments are welcomed and encouraged. However, the editorial board reserves the right to edit or delete, without notice, any comments submitted to the blog. For more details, see our full Comment Policy.