Students do THIS to help them get through virtual learning?! - Shannon Furgeson

        Throughout time, students have specific routines and methods as to how to be the most successful in their studies. No matter the topic, subject, or class, it's a student's job to find out what's best for them in order to learn. Even though we are going through a global pandemic, young people still use their own methods to perform the best they can be while online, and to make sure they are benefiting while learning lessons through the screen.   

        To help gather a wider range of data, I asked a few friends for advice as to what helps them "get through" virtual learning in order to be a better student. During my studies, multiple people mentioned how pets (specifically dogs) were able to make things a little less "ruff." As a human with a dog, I think it is so important to have a companion with you at home. Not only are they home all day too, but they help to keep minds from dulling by staring at the same wall all day. One of my friends Marcella even mentioned how taking her dogs for walks around the neighborhood each day helps her to "de-stress" and gives her something to do. It is easy to forget what our pets (don't) do all day, and it gives a new perspective on being at home  a l l   d a y   l o n g .    

        Not only did the interviewees mention pets as their saviors, they also mentioned food ! As silly as it sounds, the majority of my friends went on about how food helped them get through the online day, specifically the elongated lunch period. Even if you're not eating for the entire hour, it gives your brain, eyes, and body a break from the constant screen and sit combo. A lot of them also said it was a great time to socialize, especially with students that they didn't have classes with. One of my classmates Carol even said that her morning cup of joe was the only thing keeping her awake in class!  

        Opposite of being lazy like a pet dog or eating during lunch, many friends of mine said exercising was key to keeping their body healthy and their mind sane during this time. Heidi Godman, executive director of the Harvard Health Letter from Harvard Medical School wrote, "exercise improves mood and sleep, and reduces stress and anxiety." Based on Goodman's excerpt, doing exercise is something that is  positive in life, and it especially applies if you are on a computer all day. Some friends talked about how after school sports were something to look forward too, like Lilli, or how yoga and meditation really helps the mind and body, like Sam. 

        Many people would agree with me when I say virtual learning is not ideal. As a student, as a worker, or as a person, virtual learning is really not the best option (except for maybe your pets of course), although it is the safest. To get through these hardships, many people have strategies and tactics in order to be the most successful person possible. And after interviewing my friends, I sure have many new ways and ideas as to how to be the best version of myself I can be during this global quarantine.