5 Things to Do If Your College Closes due to Cornavirus

You've been told that there was uncertainty in Long Island as far as social distancing would be concerned. If New York would be put into quarantine, it might open a Pandora's box. You may be one of those college students who are far from those so-called hot spots, and it's not hard to imagine a situation not different from Europe. It's hard not to dismiss the possibility that your college is closing down due to coronavirus. What to do?

If you're about to get restless, then sit and breathe slowly. Do it many times. You might have read (and studied) "Captain Pantoja and the Special Service", where Mario Vargas Llosa illustrate what restless soldiers do when they become aware of the humidity in the Amazon. It may still be cold in America, but the news would make you go stir crazy. Breath again. You must forget about those quotes that you read not long ago. ("Trouble trouble and it will trouble you!") These lines won't uplift you, and it won't force you to adopt a practical mindset. It should remind you of what your grandparents told your parents, about your generation not having the mindset and skills to deal with uncertainty. You might not imagine what it is like to live during World War II (like your grandparents), but you want to prove them wrong on one thing. You could deal with the so-called invisible enemy.

You would be surprised to learn that social distancing isn't observed in Sweden. As a matter of fact, life goes on. Some might see a Russian-roulette approach to the pandemic, but there are a few things that Americans must have noticed. They are sensible enough. They are aware that they are responsible for their actions. And they know the news, which can disrupt their normal lives anytime. Americans may need to learn these few things from the Swedes but think of your predicament. You should go to your college's website, and find out if there's an official announcement about closing down. Some would learn the news from social media, which is hardly surprising. This is not the time to debate about the gradual demise of the print media industry, as you should get in touch with any member of the faculty. Your tutor would be the first one. And then approach the one in charge of the dormitory. (If you live far away, you must decide which of your belongings must be left behind. You might need to store it, but you run short of cash.) If you're resourceful, then you won't think about it the day after next. But you know who to turn to.

How to Plan Your Transition Accordingly

Visit your college's online learning platform and study its features. Your college may not have one at the moment, but this is not the reason not to make further inquiries. If you see it, then browse it. This task takes several minutes at the very least, so there's no reason to cite your busy schedule (for not doing it). Don't ever think that you're pestering your professors if something is holding you back. Do you have lots of questions? No problem. 

Are you in favor of abolishing grades? You should have read an online feature about the dilemma confronting authorities in some universities in New England. There's no substitute for lectures and small-group discussions, but you must not worry about it. Perhaps you fear that you don't belong to the so-called upper group, if not you have struggled with the coursework these last few months. You should seek advice from your tutor. 

Talk about emergency procedures with your professors. You must figure out if Zoom would be a good substitute for that emergency meeting between you and your professors. And make sure that you won't fall prey to those hackers. Study the settings carefully. You can also ask your housemates, one of whom is savvy when it comes to such things (like Zoom). Don't make a big deal out of this one. Remember those guide books for dummies?

If you can't go home, then make the most of the college resources. There could be a hotel, if not a hostel, that is not far from your college. And the night rate looks reasonable. You shouldn't be ashamed to tell your tutor about it especially if your parents are worried about the crunch due to the pandemic. (It may look like recession descends upon the American landscape when the vaccine is available.) You can also inquire about the local church, who could help you with food. Hunger may be a major problem unless you're cheeky (to ask anyone you know). 

Getting close isn't optional. You should have known the precautions, yet you're still curious about the Russian-roulette approach of the Swedish government. You may be young, and you may be diligent in your workouts. It's not a guarantee, though. It doesn't mean that you only have to wave at the people you know for the next few months or so. Remember how your family and friends react when you have a running nose (or cold). Try to recall how you were treated for a fever. It's different with the coronavirus, but you have a good grasp of what it can do (if you throw caution to the wind).

Assumptions Might Kill You

This is unchartered territory for everyone, your grandparents included. There's a possibility that online learning could be the norm when this is over. There's no way that you would go back to your rock (and hide under it). The weather becomes warmer, yet you're thinking about your finances. You plan to look for a part-time job. Keep in mind that your (job) options don't have the hero status that affords health workers, so talk to your parents. You may have to prepare for the next term, if not make sure that you're done with thesis writing. There's a high chance that it could be a hindrance to many final-year students, but that would be another case. 

 

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