COVID-19: Through the Eyes of a Student
As weeks go by, stress levels continue to increase. Whether an individual has lost their job or has a family to provide for, the feeling of uncertainty has been evident in us all, including students, like me in Fredericton, NB. However, this pandemic has allowed me to find efficient coping mechanisms and work on time-management.
Fortunately, I can explore the outdoors freely, practice my cooking skills, and have access to my laptop at all times. This makes it much easier to stay connected with my university, while also taking care of my mental health by doing online workouts or simply enjoying the fresh air. I have gained a new appreciation for waking up earlier and eating a healthy breakfast.
But, don’t get me wrong, the first few weeks were full of frustration and stress. In the beginning, I struggled with finding the most efficient way to do my school online. From audio-recorded lessons, video-chat lectures, teaching myself from the textbook, assignments, and papers, it felt like too much.
I then began to realize the importance of taking care of myself, taking breaks, and organizing my schoolwork. No, our 2020 planners may not get much use this year, but, it’s the perfect place for arranging due dates and deadlines!
My mom’s boyfriend, Dave Hogan, is a middle school teacher and has been home since the closure.
“Teachers find themselves in a situation now where we are being asked to do something that no current teacher in the system has ever done before. However, with the belief that the curriculum should continue, we have been working on optional work packages that will be sent out to students once a week if they wish to take part, followed by sending their finished work back. Having to contact students through phonecalls has felt pretty odd, as I’m not used to calling up student’s homes. Most teachers are feeling similar discomfort but we’re all adjusting slowly,” said Hogan.
As advised, social distancing is key during this time. As an extrovert, it has been naturally difficult for me not seeing my friends in person, nor my siblings who now live away. Although, thankfully we can video-chat, text or call as needed. This is the situation for many students who no longer live at home, or live distant from family members. My close friend, Ashley Hatt, had to return to Fredericton after St. Francis Xavier’s campus closed a few weeks ago.
“It has been very hard to adjust while balancing a lot of things on top of schoolwork. Having to leave my lifestyle so suddenly felt pretty overwhelming, but I am finally feeling better and settled in. Both my parents have been working from home, so I’ve been spending lots of time with them…maybe too much time,” laughed Hatt over a phone interview.
Students from all over had to make sacrifices for their schooling. From learning how to use new software, to group projects online, it has all been a challenge.
However, this pandemic is forcing us to play our role in the community. This has helped me realize how fortunate I am to have a caring family, good health, and access to the internet for school; all things we take for granted every day.
This virus is teaching us to be more appreciative of the small things, the importance of checking in and spending time with loved ones, and learning to be happy on your own.
Although this virus is causing such stress, it is showing the whole world that more can be less.