Shutterstock
As of April of 2021, the world seems to be getting a little bit more back to normalcy each day. Live concerts no longer seem like something of the past as musicians tune up their instruments and prepare to play to live audiences again in the near future. Amusement parks are set to open up this month in California as well.
Colleges Across the Nation Bounce Back
Even though statistics show that a vast majority of states had no ordinances in place as far as school closures go, more than 1,300 colleges across the country closed their doors and went toward a remote learning structure that rocked both students and teachers. However, students and instructors adjusted and managed to carry on with their work and studies.
Many students put their studies on a COVID-19 pause so they could be with their families during this time of global pandemic while others made the decision to work through the uncertainty via remote learning resources. Students listened to lectures via online conferencing tools like Zoom, continued with course reading somewhat normally, and were tested on the material and comprehension just the same.
While some areas of study are more suited for lockdown learning (English, History, and Philosophy, for instance), others were presented with more challenges not being able to meet in person in the classroom (Biology labs, Theater, etc.).
Now that students are expected to meet back in the classroom and get back to normal activity, some are feeling a little hesitant and more than a little stressed.
Getting On with Things
Many students are pushing forward with online resources and opting for online degrees while others are more anxious to get back to a more traditional college experience. Many students have moved back to the cities where they go to school and have taken on huge expenses — many university attendees do not have jobs that they were able to gain unemployment benefits from over the course of the pandemic.
As schools reopen students continue to weight the pros and cons of going back to school with so much uncertainty in the air.
Resources for Students
In order to alleviate anxiety, students are exploring campus resources like yoga and meditation, whether it’s done via online resources or at actual brick and mortar establishments. Colleges have also been responding to these tumultuous times by relaxing a little bit when it comes to course requirements, deadlines, and reading load.
Extracurricular activities are starting to be offered again — this past month March Madness took place, giving college students a small taste of normalcy, although strict regulations are still in place at the moment.
Students looking to pay for college expenses (books, room and board, etc.) are either working one or more jobs, taking out sizable student loans, or asking parents or relatives to help them pay for educations that are uncertain at best currently. Other options include pawnshops and car title loan companies which students utilize in order to pay for expenses that are starting back up again.
Students and colleges will continue to proceed with caution, but everyone seems to be in agreement that it’s time for life to move forward.
