6 Tips for College Students Weary of Home Schooling
The coldest air of the winter season had left the town, and it felt like watching the final season of "Game of Thrones". You're sick and tired of your family - and friends - arguing about Senator Ted Cruz's attempts to rebuild his public image after that very short holiday in Cancun, Mexico. You don't want to give your two cents on Cruz's political future (after abandoning his Texan constituents in the middle of that state's coldest winter), as you're weary of homeschooling. President Joe Biden predicts that all Americans would be vaccinated before the end of summer. It didn't give you assurance about March and beyond. You're not even motivated at this point. Are you about to throw the towel? Of course not.
You turned to rituals during the pandemic, which helped you manage the coursework. It included watching your favorite movie clips (on YouTube), again and again, listening to your playlist, again and again, and repeatedly beating your course mates on (the online version of) "Jeopardy". Lately, these activities didn't thrill you at all. It must be the several inches of snow (and how you disliked clearing it). It could be the long winter nights (that you haven't get used to). It must be your neighbors (whom you keep a distance from after they told you about their "Thelma and Louise" plan to get vaccinated). You're grateful to your cousin, who recommended: "Superman & Lois" (after watching the pilot episode). You never imagined Clark Kent struggling with parenthood (after he found that Jordan, his teenage son, has superpowers like him). You promise to record the third episode, which is titled "The Perks Of Not Being a Wallflower". It reminded you of your roomie's course mate, a Boston native and a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft. He thought that Stephen King channeled his inner Lovecraft while writing the draft of "Carrie". You haven't thought about it, as King's first novel gave bullying a sinister meaning. You wondered if Maine - and the other northeastern states - could be America's equivalent of the Balkan region. (Voldermort regained his strength in faraway Albania.) You looked kindly at your nerdy coursemate who couldn't stand listening to the theme song of "The Partridge Family". (You didn't tell him that your parents loved this classic TV series.) These new distractions helped you get through this latter stage of winter, but you need concrete steps to rediscover your enthusiasm in homeschooling. Forget music. Forget TV. And forget politics.
More Insight Into Problems That Would Keep Students Frazzled
You're struggling with the work that is set. Do you want to tell your tutor about it? No. You must not let your tutor know that learning is wonderful during the pandemic. (Save your sarcasm for your next assignment.) Remote learning brought tougher challenges, such that expectations at home are the same as expectations at university. Shouting at your parents won't be helpful. And don't attempt to watch your favorite Netflix show while listening to a recorded lecture. You need a longer time to complete your tasks, so cut off that idle time. Don't ever do it during the first phase of assignment writing. Read a book, which is not included in your department's reading list, if not subscribe to Disney+ (and watch "WandaVision"). If the Salem witch trials pique your curiosity, then be warned about your limited time. You're about to enter the most challenging part of the term.
You don't want to participate in the live lessons, so you somehow conceal it from your professors. One of your professors seemed irritated at your queries on the basic structure of a (literary) essay. (You haven't read "A Short Guide to Writing About Literature".) Improper diet might have made you lethargic during the winter season. If this won't be the cause, then make sure to figure it out sooner. Warmer weather might happen earlier than you think. You don't want to miss a deadline.
Every few minutes, you seem to lose interest. You need a generous break from the computer screen. If thirty minutes of idle time won't do, then immerse in a hobby that would consume an hour of your time. You can play with your Lego blocks, also check out the fridge. But don't overeat.
The longer it goes on, the less motivation you have. Perhaps you haven't resolved your bad sleeping habits. Is it "American Idol"? You might not have been caught watching Casey Bishop's audition again and again, which is fine. Really. (It's OK to have second thoughts on singing in a Speedo.) If you don't have a pair of dumbbells, then check out your room. One. More. Time. There are some items that you need to let go of. A charitable organization would be thankful for it. If it's something else, then don't e-mail your professor(s) at 3 AM. You might have to chat with your coursemates about it.
I'm struggling with patience. Your professors are expecting you to master the basic structure of essay writing, which includes an opening statement or two, a series of reasons to support your thesis, and drawing the arguments together, indicating that the thesis has been proved. And you must spend a day on proofreading. Beavis was once quoted that "When we find something easy, it can be difficult to understand how anyone could possibly find it a challenge - that's when impatience can quickly kick in." As long as you don't turn home learning into a battleground...
Learn to say "I don't know". It's OK to ask your course mates, even if there's no guarantee that you would get some answers. It will lead to good guesses, in the guise of questions, which would show your perception and good judgment. And this is what your professors are looking for.
What Are Your Quarantine Options?
If you happen to be one of those college students who are exposed to the coronavirus and not living at home, then your situation becomes a housing matter. You can opt for a plush hotel, with modern amenities and a private bathroom, or an aging apartment with dingy appliances and insect problems. The latter isn't bad if it remains quite wintry over the next two weeks. Bundle up. Avoid social media. And make a list of binge-worthy TV shows (or books) to get you through the remainder of winter. After all, snow means boots, shoveling and binges.
