Like many other schools across the country, in order to return to my university, they had to enforce new policies, one of which being the removal of breaks from the semester. This means 14 weeks of schooling with no true breaks that college students once had. As a whole, we are lucky to be back on campus, as some schools decided to go fully remote or were forced to do so after contracting too many COVID cases. From an outsiders viewpoint, this seems like it is the best option for the students and are often reminded we should be grateful that we were even allowed to return to campus. Although that is true, those outsiders are not the ones wearing the masks for the duration of classes, staring at a computer screen for hours on end or receiving assignment after assignment, leaving us barely any time to breathe. This is all happening during the middle of a historic election and global pandemic. Without a break in the semester, I have noticed the impact it has had on both my physical and mental health. This is a burnout.
Being that we have been experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for almost eight months now, it is almost expected that we have fully adjusted to the changes it has caused. Students were welcomed back onto campus by the university and expected to jump back into academics, as if it were a normal semester. It is in fact not a normal semester. Although there are no breaks, the workload has kept up like normal. Each time I feel as though I can rest because I’ve gotten all my assignments done, I am reminded of an exam or paper due date coming up. I thought with all the craziness that was happening in our current world, the professors would ease up or at least have assignments due less frequently. It has been quite the opposite really, being this has been my busiest semester yet. I do not find myself asking for sympathy, but rather ask myself why the professors are doing this. The majority of my assignments are what we know as “busy work” and are not essential to passing the class. I would be more understanding if I felt the work was truly benefiting me or strengthening my knowledge of the classes subject matter, but it is not. It is only adding to the stress I am already experiencing.
Another thing that is becoming increasingly more common this semester is the use of technology for learning. Almost all of my classes are remote or have a remote option for days you may not want to attend class in-person. Not only am I staring at my computer screen for hours on end, but I am also isolated in my bedroom for long periods of time. I think this is something that has contributed to the decline of my mental health. I have found myself lacking motivation to do homework and am always tired. I no longer want to be active or take care of my body. I find myself waking up and doing the same thing as I had the day before, and after a while, this takes a toll on an individual. I am thankful that I am able to recognize that I am not in the same mental state I once was and am able to be open with those closest to me. My support system has had a huge impact on me and has been needed now more than ever.
If you are experiencing these feelings and the feelings of burnout, you aren’t alone. You, me, and I am sure a ton of college students are in the same boat. Just remember, this will pass, and things will get better. If you feel the changes and impact are too overwhelming, don’t be afraid to talk to someone or take a break on your own. Like I said, I have turned to my roommates, friends and partner when things became too overwhelming. I am really grateful for their impact and their willingness to watch SVU or a movie with me at the end of a stressful day. Even though you may feel you have no time to take a break because of your workload, you do. Everyone needs to do things to better their mental health whether that is working out, watching a show, or just having some time by yourself. Your health and mental health should be a priority over everything, because we cannot truly succeed if we aren’t in a good head space.
Truthfully, this semester has been one of my hardest yet. I started off strong and confident that I’d get through these fourteen weeks, no problem. Now nearing the end, I can recognize that I have lost motivation and am excited to go back home, and that’s okay. This is a raw and honest look at burnout. There are some days I get through my assignments within a few hours, and some where all I can think about is going home. Some days are better than others, but with time this too will pass. To myself and to you: keep pushing on, you’re almost there! We’ll all soon get a well-deserved break.