When I read that we were
having online classes,
I really thought I wasn't
going to be very encouraged
or that I wouldn't
be really motivated.
Remote learning,
that was something
that I was definitely
concerned about.
As the quarter kept
moving on, things
started to feel a
bit more natural.
What I ended up doing was set
aside the time, go to class,
be in class but just in
front of my computer.
Managing distractions
is kind of a key.
It's easy when you have
your phone next to you,
and you have your
computer open, to be
tempted to be doing things
other than paying attention
to a lecture.
Definitely turn the camera
on, because if it's off,
it's giving yourself permission
to like go on your phone,
do you emails.
I always had to take
notes during lecture
and tried to take as detailed
of notes as possible.
Try to make it as much of a
classroom feel as possible.
If there's several
students in the class,
and you can change
the view of the camera
so that you can see
who is speaking.
Message that chat, raise
your hand, answer your polls.
I think just trying
your hardest to find
like a nice, quiet place.
In my case, I would
like to go to like
the common rooms because I
was still living on campus.
Another thing is just putting
your phone on do not disturb.
Take the time to focus on
yourself and to better yourself
physically and mentally
and emotionally.
I, personally, really like
to work out in the morning.
And that's something I
do during the school year
regardless of whether
there is you know COVID.
If I have some extra
time like even if it's
like 10, 15, 20 minutes, I
will just sit on my yoga mat
and maybe stretch a
little bit or maybe like
do some jumping jacks.
I really like to bake.
And you know I'm a big foodie.
You know things to take my mind
off of being on Zoom all day.
Being kind of back in
your childhood home
to try and build up
the same work ethic
took a lot of getting used to.
At first there were times
that were a little difficult
because there's family
and then family makes
plans because you're home.
But over time, you learn
to set some boundaries.
And you learn to
prioritize your classes.
I love them.
But having to put
energy and time
towards spending time with
your family and doing chores.
It was really hard.
I kind of just sat down
with them and was like,
I really want to help, but
this is the amount of time
I need every week.
So that's the way
I approached it.
I think it's really
important that as a student
you recognize when maybe you're
falling a little bit behind,
or even if you just
need some extra help,
and there is no
shame in doing that.
I've reached out to my
professors many, many times
to ask questions.
Knowing that OK if this class
has office hours on Thursdays
at 4, well, then I need to
be you know at least halfway
through the homework
or try to be halfway
through the homework
before that.
So that I can go in there
with questions to ask.
There's also drop
in tutoring, which I
think is helpful for homework.
There are tutors who have
gone through the classes
and can help you with whatever
the homework is for that week.
I also think that leaning
on your friends for support
is really important.
We're all feeling a degree
of uncertainty and stress
sometimes I think.
And being able to share
that with others, I think,
is really useful.
I can tell you, use
your Google Calendar,
use reminders, use whatever.
But I think the whole point
is embrace the situation.
Think of this as an opportunity
for a lot of flexibility
and for you to drive
your own learning.
No matter if it's
online or in person,
I think just keep an open
mind, going to class,
and being ready to learn.
If you're feeling anxious
or a bit intimidated then
there are hundreds of others
feeling that way as well.
The more you kind of
find the positives in it,
and the more you make
the best out of it,
the better experience
you'll have.
I know it's definitely
easier said than done.
And the first couple of weeks
will probably feel very weird.
But just stick with it,
find what works for you,
and make the best out of it.
This is an ever
changing situation.
And I think it's
best for all of us
if we can just take
one step at a time
and just be honest
with ourselves
throughout this whole process.
