Coronavirus: A Blessing or a Curse for Students?

As the number of positive cases for COVID-19 are rapidly increasing, most schools and universities have switched to remote learning platforms. Personally, when we found out that we weren't going to have school for at least a few weeks, we were jumping with joy. The arduous lifestyle of a high school student consisted of sports, heavy procrastination, addiction to Tik Tok, and no sleep. Like all other teens, we were just looking for a break. I envisioned 12 hours of sleep and binge watching at least 7 episodes of a TV show a day, and to be frank, that is somewhat of a reality for me and many others. However, not everything is as bright as it seems, to say the least.

Transition
First off, the transition to online learning has been overwhelming and stressful for both students and teachers. Students must set up many accounts, identify where and when work is being assigned/due, and must self-learn all topics in their curriculum. Although many lectures are conducted through Zoom and Google Meet, the lack of physical presence and face-to-face contact severely hinders the learning experience for many. It is easier to lose focus and much more difficult to ask questions. In addition, for college students majoring in subjects with more active work, such as the arts and engineering, it will be more difficult to derive the same level of comprehension as they do in a practical, hands-on manner. Many projects and labs that are done with equipment and collaboration will no longer occur, making hours of dedication go to waste.

That being said, it is just as hard for teachers/professors to adapt. They must learn how to use new software, prepare online lectures/resources to be given to students, and provide/grade assignments through an digital platform. In addition, "zoom bombing" has become a major issue.

"Zoom Bombing" (noun.)- the process by which a stranger enters a Zoom call and creates a disruption through the means of inappropriate words or images, aka trolling

Although many are finding it funny to zoom bomb, it is highly unethical to disrupt a educational or business meeting and we urge you not to.

Extracurriculars
Speaking from my own experience, the novel coronavirus has had a very negative impact on my ability to do some extracurricular activities. These activities help you find your passion and differentiate yourselves from other applicants to a specific college. Now, with the quarantine cancelling most of summer programs, volunteering opportunities, and sports, many students will sit at home contemplating what they could be achieving in that time.

Specifically, student athletes in varsity sports that are looking to be recruited during their spring season are finding it especially difficult. They put in months of work over the winter to shine in the spring, and it seems as that all that will go to waste.

Message from ConqueringCorona to Fellow Students: We must not let coronavirus hinder our achievements and we must keep working hard towards our goals! Do not let coronavirus conquer you-you must CONQUER CORONA!

Social Life
"You'll never realize how much you need something until you don't have it anymore."
This is an expression I have heard countless times, and have never really grasped the true meaning of it until now. Although many of us act antisocial and as if we don't have friends, it is only when you go into isolation that you realize how much you miss social interaction. How much you miss those nights out with the boys, how much you miss going to the mall, how much you miss playing outside, how much you miss eating out, and the one I never though I would say- how much you miss school!

You can only have so much fun finding hobbies and watching TV, and to be real, I'm grateful for this blog helping me pass time.

A problem for students (especially seniors) is the amount of social events being cancelled. From parties to Prom to vacation plans to graduation, many students in both college and high school are missing out on things they dreamed about doing. We should be making memories as young people that we will cherish on for the rest of our lives, and corona has not been letting us do that.

Just an FYI- We're bored in the house and we're in the house bored. #iykyk

Standardized Tests
Standardized Tests are a big part of a high school/college student's life. For the high schooler, you have AP Exams, SAT, and ACT, while college students take different exams for different course of study. The issue here lies in the fact that many students will not get the chance to do these exams because of the virus. The March and May SAT's were cancelled, and future ones may also be depending on the situation.

Many colleges have already stated that the SAT/ACT is no longer required, benefiting the students who will not get the chance to take it. However, the fact that these standardized are no longer weighted in applications hurts students like me, who already put a lot of time and money into studying for the exams.

In addition, AP Exams are now also online exams, and test a subject in 45 minutes. My opinion on this is that although the exams are shorter, it will be harder for a college to give us credit based on our scores if cheating is a problem and if there are only two questions on the entire test. It will also be easier to score lower as a mistake counts for a larger part of your score.
More Info: https://www.collegeboard.org/, https://www.act.org/content/act/en.html

Mental Health
This is a very important topic that I believe should be addressed at this time. Many students and people in general are finding it hard to cope with COVID-19 outbreak and the social changes caused by it. Changes in social and academic interactions can cause stress, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and many other mental health issues. It is of utmost important that you reach out to someone! It can be a school or workplace counselor, a friend, a family member, or anyone else you're comfortable with. We are struggling together, but with communication, we can overcome anything!

Blessing or Curse?

My Final Answer: Neither
The quarantine is a big change for all of us and it is difficult at times, but remember, together we can "ConquerCorona"! We must look at the bright side of things in dark times and look to the future! Thank you for your time and make sure to leave comments! Sign up for email notifications to be notified of future posts!

 

(SORRY SENIORS THIS IS JUST A JOKE DON'T GET OFFENDED)

Image Sources:
https://www.educationcorner.com/distance-learning/distance-online-learning-guide.html
https://pgnewsbreaker.com/3896/sports/the-hype-for-spring-sports/
https://www.alliancebernstein.com/library/does-the-american-shopping-mall-have-a-future.htm
https://www.amgen.com/media/featured-news/2020/04/feeling-anxious-about-covid-19-we-asked-mental-health-experts-for-help/