As the pandemic continues, your plans inevitably get steamrolled, and your life gets put on indefinite hold. For me, going to college was something that I looked forward to. I think most high schoolers would say that college seems like the light at the end of the tunnel from their point of view. When my classes became online, I tried my best to deny it and develop solutions, like renting an overpriced apartment near campus, and I could sit in my room just to look at my computer screen. All so I could still have “the college experience”. Yet, realistically, I knew that the smartest decision would be to stay home, and that’s what I ended up doing. Now, I can confidently say I don’t regret my decision at all, and neither should you.
- Social Interactions
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Online learning gives you the benefit of social interaction without draining your social battery. Virtual school allows you to detach yourself in ways that in-person school cannot. When you press the bright red “leave meeting” button, you’re back into your comfort zone, and you don’t have to make awkward post-class small talk or bump into large crowds on your walk across campus.
- Control
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Online learning gives you control. While it’s harder to be involved over Zoom because you have to consciously make an effort to join a meeting, online events give you more power in that no one is forcing you to come to events you don’t want to attend (unless it’s your classes). Thus, it is easier to be more productive and focus more on school and the extracurriculars you are most passionate about.
- Empathy
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Online learning has taught everyone empathy. Now, we are extra understanding of wifi disconnections, webcam issues, etc. because it’s inevitable that we will come across one technical difficulty at one point or another. I’ve also been able to see a different side of my professors because, just like us, they’re still learning too.
- Conversation Clout
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“How are you adjusting??” seems to be the newest conversation starter, and everyone has those “when I thought I was muted, but I wasn’t” moments or embarrassing breakout room horror stories to share, so relating to others has never been easier.
That being said, I recognize how virtual school can have negative effects on mental health, especially for people who thrive on social interaction. For me, virtual game nights or weekly calls with my friends helps me feel better about missing out on my first year of college. Whether you’re at home or on campus, I hope you’re putting yourself first and staying safe!