In mid-March, students throughout the U.S. were informed that schools would be closed and a new form of learning would start. Just after spring break, U. City students began to experience distance learning, and assignments were put in Google Classroom, due on Sunday at 11:59 pm. It was up to students to manage a week’s worth of assignments and get them all turned in by Sunday night. This quarantine, due to the new coronavirus,  has changed daily life and the way we learn, creating struggles for many students.

Learning to navigate the new distance learning system has really changed the way students learn. One of the most difficult parts  is figuring out a schedule on my own.  I’ve had to determine the best time to get up, the best time to start doing work and the times when I need to take a break, including taking a walk or playing basketball in an effort to stay sane. While writing this story, I’m still figuring out what the rest of my day may look like and how much work I will get done. 

Throughout the weeks of distance learning, I’ve found that some days start at 9:30 am and some days start at 11:30 am, but it’s all pretty much the same. I begin by eating some kind of breakfast then get ready for my day. By 1 pm, I try to start my work day and get as much done before I get  antsy and need to get outside to enjoy a nice day. 

Since U. City adopted an A/B day schedule two days a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I have had to wake up earlier than normal. In my first class, I don’t usually see a big turnout, and for the past two weeks, there’s  been maybe 2-3 other people in my first period. However, there’s been a  big turnout in the rest of my classes. Most students like to turn off their camera during classes, probably because they just woke up. 

Typically, I get most of my work done at the beginning of the week.  I am most productive on Tuesdays, and I usually try to work for about two hours without a break, focusing on two or three core classes and one of my electives. It takes about three hours to get all the work done, but I try to keep working so I won’t be bored. This quarantine has really got to my patience and how I spend my days. Boredom is now just a normal for me and other teens and  it’s all about trying to not feel like you’re cooped up.  However, it has gotten easier and I have found a good routine that helps me to get all my work done. 

To help you stay engaged, try to start on your work early and stay focused for a good amount of time. Always know when you need to stop, and taking breaks will help you stay focused for the rest of the day. I would suggest taking a walk, the days are getting nicer and they can help to clear your mind. You could try to pick up some kind of hobby, maybe something that you have always wanted to learn to do.  

During this pandemic, schools should not pile work on students. We are all still figuring out this new normal and the work is another stressor that we have to worry about. Schools should make it easy for everybody to pass this school year because this pandemic could affect people in so many different ways.