Online student perspective pt. 1

Our lives since COVID-19 have all changed  one way or another, even our schooling has changed. Now, we have some kids that go to school in-person and some who do it online.

Everyone’s new normal is different. 

Alexa wakes me up around 8 a.m., blaring her “CHIME CHIME CHIME” into the room. Sunlight warms my skin as it shines through curtainless windows, illuminating scattered books spread on the grey carpeted floor. I lay in bed for a while longer before dragging my icy, numb body to the bathroom. I try to wear jeans sometimes, but there are days that cannot be convinced jeans are any better than sweatpants. My outfits range from “It’s 3 a.m. and I’m going back to bed” to “We’re in Paris, take my picture”. 

Here’s an example of what I might wear in a week:

Socked feet tiptoe down the stairs, making their way to the kitchen, where I grab a quick breakfast (usually just a drink). 

“Okay, so yesterday we did notes on-” my algebra teacher begins as I race back up the stairs to sit at my desk. 

Our calls usually only last ten to fifteen minutes and then we work on our assignments individually. Next, I have journalism which only has two calls a week. Finally, I have Psychology for third period which has a call almost everyday. 

11:36 appears on the clock and lunch arrives. 

I have either leftovers, frozen meals, pizza, soup, or a sandwich. Eating in the kitchen is a glory, as the only people surrounding are empty spaces. My computer plays Netflix and I smile to myself, happy at home.

Face-to-face students have a study hall, but to have time to make lunch and eat while watching a show, that is skipped.

For fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh periods, I have a call every day. And then woohoo:  I’m already home from school. I have a snack and then work on homework for a while, sitting at a marble-topped desk filled with papers, notebooks, pens and pencils, a calculator, a water bottle, a globe, a candle, books, and files. 

“Goodnight.” 

The day is over and I’m going to bed.

It might seem like a pretty average day, but it is a lot different from in-person school and it has its own pros and cons. 

Overall, I love online school and believe it is the perfect fit for me, especially during COVID-19. 

It reduces my anxiety and stress levels, while giving me time alone to work and think. If I could stay online even after the virus is gone, I would, at least for another year.

Everyone is in different circumstances and has different personalities, but I believe that having the choice of online and in-person, while being more work for teachers, is overall beneficial for the student body. Some students, however, do not have a choice on whether to go in-person or not. I did not have a choice, but my choice would have been the same either way.

Online schooling is different from face-to-face learning, and for me, it’s better. But let’s not just take one opinion from this.