BLOG: Struggles with switching to online

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unsure of how everything concerning college life would unfold.

I was enrolled in classes, such as my Fibers class, that I feared would not transfer well to an online format. I was right to have these fears; it was imperative that I was able to still complete my weaving projects to pass the class.

Currently, I am attempting to appeal to drop this class, as I have no way to access the looms campus nor am I able to complete these assignments at home. All I can do through this process is to wait while having high hopes and low expectations.

I have also taken other classes that transferred well to their online versions. Through simply doing my best to stay informed and on schedule, I believe I will pass these classes.

Through all of this, I have learned that I do better in school in a regular on-campus setting, rather than taking an online class. However, I have begun to routinely check my email and Blackboard, so I do not think that I have failed to take any lessons away from this online switch.

Although this has been an extremely difficult time for me, I do not feel that this semester was a waste. I learned a lot and gained quite a bit of experience from these classes.

I also was able to experience the kindness and understanding of my professors, which not only made me feel better about my current situation but also allowed me to feel more confident in continuing to pursue my degree.

My advice to anyone who needs that extra bit of reassurance in this trying time is to be honest and open with yourself and those around you. Admitting that you may need assistance, whether it be in your personal, work or school life, is the first step in bettering your situation.

It is okay to ask for help, whether it be from friends, family, or your professors. Most of these people will be understanding and willing to help. It is not weak of you to need a helping hand, especially in this time of extreme change.