After almost a month into the fall 2020 trimester, I figured it was fitting to talk about how the first few weeks of classes went. Now, I know I cannot speak for everyone, but I can certainly speak for myself, and in my humble opinion, classes are not going too hot. I have two fully online classes and three hybrid classes, which operate on a rotating attendance plan, and regardless of the mode in which these classes are taught, it is still incredibly hard to adapt to online learning. I’d like to consider myself as an organized, diligent student, but despite my consideration and previous school work experience to back up that consideration, I am a discombobulated mess when it comes to online learning. I cannot keep track of my assignments, I cannot stay focused for more than five minutes on Zoom, I cannot find the motivation to do any more than the bare minimum for any of my work, and I cannot muster up the courage to set my alarm any earlier than ten minutes before my class.
I can’t put my finger on exactly what my problem is when it comes to online learning, but what I can tell you is that online classes and I have a very hostile and toxic relationship. I want nothing to do with online classes, and they, evidently, want nothing to do with me! Not only are online classes wreaking havoc on my mental health, but they are taking a toll on my physical health as well. Now, I could just be an oversensitive little cry-baby, but my eyes absolutely burn after a day of online classes, online meetings for clubs, online recruiting events with potential employers, online career fairs, and the list goes on. By the end of the day, my eyes are dry and red, and each blink feels like I am rubbing my eyelids against sandpaper—not to mention the subtle, incessant headache that never seems to subside. On top of this, my typical mode of relaxation consists of falling down the YouTube rabbit hole or binging The Great British Bake Off on Netflix; however, while this usually brings me joy, it now only results in pain, so much pain.
Yes, I am being a bit melodramatic (for effect obviously—you wouldn’t read this article if there weren’t a bit of drama involved). But, on a more serious note, I am writing this article to let anyone who is struggling with online classes, for whatever reason that may be, know that they are not alone. Every single one of us is adapting, and while I am sure some of us are adapting better than others, we are all adjusting to this ‘new-normal’ as a community.
We will get through this less than ideal situation together, one cornea-burning Zoom call at a time.