By Erika Whitfield
If you ever wanted to hear the truth, ask a child. The truth is guaranteed to spill from their lip even when adults are not ready to receive it. I know this to be true. If I fail to wear make-up, inevitably the astute observation that I look tired will be stated at least once that day by one of my students.
Students across the region are well into the first quarter in the 2021-2022 pandemic school year. They are experiencing so many emotions and thoughts. The social emotional state of our students is important. It’s vital their voices are heard. STL Equity Matters will keep tabs on students as the year unfolds. Here are initial responses from Kayla Johnson, 15, and Lincoln Swan, 13.
I did virtual learning my 8th grade year and it was, as expected, boring and irregular. My virtual learning schedule consisted of me getting up and opening my computer. The first week was hard because I hadn’t been to school in eight months. I didn’t want to do anything and i didn’t have my peers around to help motivate me. Thinking about it, virtual learning was the only thing that kept me occupied and on a steady schedule, so I started putting effort into my work.
After that school became quite easy for me unlike others. My grades were good and I tried my best to participate in class. Soon I noticed that many of my friends were down emotionally and were struggling with school. I understood the frustration.. Virtual learning is straining in every aspect, your eyes will be tired from staring at a screen all day, your body feels achy from sitting for hours, and your brain wants you to move because it’s tired of just listening. I can’t imagine how hard it was for hands-on learners. But for me virtual learning for me went quick and smoothly.
After my school announced that classes would be held in person, I found myself scared . Would it put me at risk of getting COVID and thus put my parents in danger? But I felt a little better once I got vaccinated. I was excited that I would get to see my friends and peers. I was nervous to see everyone but I couldn’t wait. In school everyone wears their mask without a problem and is as distanced as possible. That makes me feel better.
I feel as if it’s easier to retain information in school because when you’re about to ask questions there is no risk of your audio going out. In school you have a sense of security because there is someone physically there to help you and make sure you’re okay with assignments and lessons. I know that I’m more comfortable and likely to answer questions around classmates because I know they have the same questions.
With COVID still spreading most activities are limited. A way for that to change would be for everyone to get vaccinated. At my school, which is majority Black, many students aren’t vaccinated. Their families do not trust in the government and medical science. This is understandable, but it is holding us from getting back to normal. For instance, homecoming at my school was cancelled because of an increase in COVID cases. I wish I could have gone to my first homecoming, I was really looking forward to it. Even in that case it’s still isn’t all that bad. My school is still trying to have fun days like spirit week.
I had my strengths and weaknesses with both virtual and in school learning. Both are hard but I had to get through them to become successful now and in the future. School is very important to me so I will get through any struggles and challenges it throws my way.
At the start of Covid, my virtual school day consisted of a warm breakfast early in the morning and checking to make sure my wifi was working. I also had to pay attention to the time, so I could log on to my classes. In addition, I had to make sure my camera was working properly and that I looked presentable to the teacher. I enjoyed being in the comfort of my own home because I could wake up and go to school in my pajamas. Virtual learning was convenient at times, like I didn’t have to walk to my classes. Finally, I enjoyed not having to walk to my bus stop in the cold.
Some of the challenges with virtual learning included communicating with my teachers. I didn’t like the way I had to communicate. I would have to email my teachers my questions because a lot of the time I couldn’t talk to them on Zoom because they were busy helping other students. Staying on task was also hard for me because I had so many distractions around me like my phone and the television. Finally, I hated not being around my classmates.
I like in person learning way better because I can ask questions in a one-on-one format, and my teachers can look at my work and tell me what I did wrong. My study habits have changed a lot. Being in person, I can focus more on the different details I need to study. I can bounce different ideas from my classmates and ask questions as well, check my answers, and get help with my homework.
