Years have passed since the covid-19 virus halted everyone’s normal life.

According to
the World Health Organization (2020), the virus spreads through the infected individual's mouth
or nose, spreading fluid spores as they cough, sneeze, talk, etc. The virus is indeed contagious,
therefore, to minimize its spread, preventive measures including physical or social distancing
have been implemented. Consequently, it caused a significant impediment to the educational
process, resulting in the termination of traditional face-to-face educational methods. At the end
of April 2020, around 186 nations implemented school shutdowns, which affected 73.8% of the
student population (UNESCO, 2020). Since the school system has been closed for an unforeseen
length of time, academic departments have experimented with different approaches to finish the
set curriculum within the specified time frame that coincides with the academic calendar, thus,
starting the online class two years ago. Those two years of taking online classes were the worst
years of my academic life thus far. Starting another academic year online would be detrimental
to my academic performance, mental health, and social well-being.

Even though online education provides a safe environment for learning today, I feel as
though I do not seem to be progressing at the pace I should. And I fear that may also be the case
now that I am already in college since classes are still online. I always feel so jumbled in virtual
classes. Even directions are confusing to me, and I often feel disoriented. I find it particularly
challenging since I think that interactive learning is paramount for learning retention.
Additionally, attending classes in a traditional setting allows me to focus solely on my academic
work whereas learning online gives me a hard time concentrating since I also have to deal with
my household responsibilities, which throws me off. In these instances, I frequently procrastinate
and then put things off, thereby failing to meet some deadlines. I believe, for online learning to
be truly effective, it requires a strategic approach that provides a structure that goes beyond
simply recreating a traditional teaching method, instead, by incorporating collaborative
approaches and engagement strategies aimed at promoting interaction, personalized learning, and
enhancing intelligence.

Online class, at first, was comfortable and convenient since I didn't need to get up early
or travel to school. Over time, however, it became detrimental to my mental health. As someone
with existing mental health struggles, the effects were even worse. Think about what it feels like
for students spending their entire day in MS Teams devoid of human connection, occupied with
an overwhelming amount of workloads. The adverse mental health implications associated with
virtual learning can result in difficulties with anxiety. These problems are often related to the
increasing complexity of technology and information overload (Poalses & Bezuidenhout 2018).
It shows up in the way I behave now at my school. As of late, I have found myself turning in
assignments late and skipping meetings. The reason wasn't that I was unable to accomplish them,
but rather, I was lacking the sheer determination and willpower necessary. As for the thought
that I still have to bear more years with the online class, I feel like dropping out, but I cannot do
it due to my dad's insistence. The whole thing is so tiresome. Even though I only spend time on
the computer, I feel physically exhausted and mentally drained.

While school is primarily an educational institution, it is also a place where I spend

considerable time socializing. It allows me to cultivate relationships and express myself.
Nevertheless, as schools shifted toward a virtual format, I gradually became more isolated. It has
become difficult for me to interact with others and I can't feel comfortable in group settings
anymore. As we all know, social and communication competencies can be learned best by
interacting socially, something I have been struggling with for quite some time now. Currently,
we are still on an online platform, so I do not need to interact with others. Prior to this, I felt this
empty void because I couldn't be with my friends, and I was so sick alone. Now, in all honesty,
this is the only thing I like about another year of online classes because it makes me feel that I
am better off by myself. This online setup has taught me independent thinking and how to handle
situations on my own. What's the point of socializing?

To sum it all up, COVID-19 drastically changed everyone's lives, in particular, us

students when the school switched to an online system. Online classes caused me to lose focus
on my studies, and my mental health declined. The only pleasant part about it is no longer having
to interact with other people. While my introverted self is ecstatic, deep down, I definitely cannot
handle online setting. Perhaps for a few classes, though generally, I prefer academic learning to
be conducted in a traditional classroom setting more often than not. Learning online can be
challenging for us all, students. It wasn't our choice to live through such a devastating
catastrophe, but I know we will leave our mark, no matter what. Without a doubt, people believe
in our dedication and are eager to witness everything we will, inevitably, succeed in. And yet, as
a new semester of the online class started, there’s hope in me that things will go more seamlessly
than they did last time. Despite not liking it, I am trying to make a positive out of it using the
same outlook as other students. So, everyone, as we continue our journey with this kind of setup,
let us never forget that life tests us in ways we never foresee, but as long as we work to make the
most of the challenges we face, we will make it through the process better. I wish us all the best
for yet another academic year online.
 References:

Poalses, J., & Bezuidenhout, A. (2018). Mental Health in Higher Education: A Comparative

Stress Risk Assessment at an Open Distance Learning University in South Africa. The

International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 19(2).

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v19i2.3391

UNESCO. (2020). COVID-19 Educational Disruption and Response.

https://en.unesco.org/themes/educationemergencies/coronavirus-school-closures

World Health Organization. (2020, January 10). Coronavirus. https://www.who.int/health-

topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1