When our physical classes abruptly switched to online in March, many students and staff had to quickly adapt to a new normal. Amazing to most of us, when it was announced towards the end of the 2019-2020 school year that no student would get a grade lower than the grade they had on our “last day of school,” students started to lack motivation; some stopped attending classes and turning in assignments. That school year ended with a whole bunch of unmotivated students, and we didn’t know that during the next semester, the motivation aggravation would be right back in our faces. 

And now that we have reached the end of the first semester online, we would like to congratulate the students who stayed motivated. Although we only have three classes a day and school starts and ends early, we know that it can be tough. While school ends at 2:15 pm, most of us stay on our computers for another 7 hours to complete homework. Fortunately, many of you Huskies have continued to stay on task and adjust to this new normal.

It has been hard to socialize with our peers and truly feel like a class when students don’t unmute or turn their cameras on during Zoom classes. And when people do unmute, hearing their voices through the computer audio is not like talking to someone face to face. There is also no way to avoid the audio cutting off and lagging. Even with this, many students still attend class and make the most out of it, and we salute you for that. Even though you are all feeling a new kind of isolation, you still don’t disassociate yourself from school and stay participating. 

All of you who have stayed motivated this semester and will probably continue to do so next semester, just know that your effort is recognized. Online learning is not easy; so when you attend your classes, participate, and turn in work, just know that you are doing something remarkable. This is something not many people can stay encouraged to do, so, again, congratulations. 

If you are a student who is struggling to find their footing to stay motivated, we get it. As we said, it’s hard. From when classes begin, to whenever you finish your homework, your backs are in pain, your eyes are bloodshot and your fingers hurt from all the typing. Once you’re done staring at your computer, you have to wash the dishes, fold the laundry, help your younger siblings with their homework, help your mom remember her Facebook password, and a billion other tasks. Even though we are home all day, there is still not enough time in the day. 

So, we’d like to tell you that you are not alone. With all of these other responsibilities, online school may feel like something you can get to later, or that it’s completely optional. But, we’d like to think this situation is not going to be forever, and that one day we will be able to go back to class. So until then, it is time to step up our game in whatever way we can. 

For this break, take time to yourself and reflect on how you can make this next semester worth it. When the second semester starts, attend your teacher’s office hours and ask for help. We know it is going to be awkward, but once you get past that, it will be beneficial. 

Eventually, you will feel accomplished when you understand new concepts you learn in class and maintain good grades. It’s definitely not going to be easy, but by staying motivated, online learning will be worth your time.