A Semester Cut Too Short
If you’re like most students right now, you’re probably navigating through various emotions trying to make sense of the on-campus semester being cut far too short. Choir tours, the play, sports, OSA events, and so much more… cancelled. These are tough days, and all we can do is simply take the next step. So, from one student to another, here are a few of the “next steps” that might help you navigate through the disappointment and uncertainty.
This is not the time to give up.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had the temptation to sink into yourself and isolate. It’s easy to think that because we don’t have to get up and go to class every day, we can sit back and give up. Give up on our grades, give up on our friendships, and so much more. But don’t give. Use this time to be diligent about those things you may not have had time do during a “normal” semester. Block out time that is strictly dedicated to homework as well as time to do something fun or something that has been on the back burner since you started school.
It’s okay to take time to process.
In the time span of a week, we went from a normal semester to suddenly being back home with plans to finish online. For most people, this creates a lot of mental stress. Take some time to work through it in your mind. Maybe call up a friend and talk through it. Write out your frustrations. Spend some extra time in the Word. It’s difficult to move forward if you haven’t come to grips with what has been lost.
Try to find a new normal.
This one is hard to do right now, but it only requires something as simple as making a schedule for yourself every day. Plan to show up to your class zoom meetings, even if you don’t feel like it. Plan to do something active every day. Check in on your friends. Spend time with Christ. Make the most of this time, but settle yourself into a routine.
Make the most of your online classes.
Switching to an online format can be a difficult transition for some. So, I asked one of our former Bridge to Campus students, Kara Jaquith, for her biggest tips to those who have not taken online classes before. Here’s what she said.
“The biggest tips I would give to students transitioning online is to stay organized. Staying on top of things is going to be super important for students – especially if they have never learned online before. Procrastination is the evil of online learning. It is so easy to stop giving 100% when in the comfort of home. Check your coursework every day! The more informed you are, the easier it is to do well.”
Online classes can be a challenge if you don’t approach them correctly. Kara’s tips are practical and simple. Stay on top of things. Do your work, even if you don’t necessarily have to check a box saying you did it.
Take the Next Step
Hopefully this was helpful as you endeavor to finish the rest of your semester. Cling to Christ, stay on top of things, and don’t let this time go to waste. Now, go take the next step toward success, and finish this last month of the semester strong.