Overwhelming Online Obstacles

By Jasmin Saksene Staff Writer

Amaya Nichols began her journey as a new college student attending HCC with the daunting task of awakening in unknown circumstances and a newfound sense of being alone.

She had slowly become accustomed to the familiar glow of her laptop as she spent hours each day straining her eyes to complete a long list of assignments. As she entered Blackboard she was faced with four classes Biology, Psychology, English, and College Algebra.

“My time management was really bad. I was getting work from all four classes due at the same time, and there was no specific time that I had to be online,” she explained.

There was an endless pit of confusion. She didn’t know who her advisors were or how to communicate with her professors. Her hands tried to navigate Blackboard, but the unfamiliar formatting brought another issue. She tried to research and figure it out on her own.

She felt hopeless and that led her to the brink of giving up when she was not able to succeed in two of the four courses for that semester.

However, in order to get through the times of high anxiety and constant stress, she discovered new ways of coping. Instead of hearing the click of the keyboard, she let the calm music surround her and allowed her negative thoughts to disappear for a moment before returning to reality.

She also took rests in between assignments after the completion of one class.

As the next semester arrived with no delay, she took the initiative and her chance to enroll in traditional on-campus courses. She is currently retaking her Algebra and Psychology classes.

Her first steps on campus were filled with a warm breeze that engulfed her. The wind carried the realization that she was finally able to be in school. She looked around nervously and prepared for her first class of the day.

There was an immediate differentiation between online and in-person classes. She had another chance, and this time she was determined to receive the optimal learning experience.

She was not afraid to ask a lot of questions with the professor right before her eyes. The environment of the small class made it easier to grasp the concept of certain topics. She moved at her own pace and recognized the best method for her success; the perfect blend of balance in her busy schedule with her new job.

“I am confident this semester and I think that I am doing pretty well so far. I failed the online courses, so I decided that it would be best for me to take them in person. I felt like that was the only way I was going to get it right,” she said with a content smile.

Photo courtesy of Amaya Nichols

“I tried to think positively, but it was really hard.”

A wave of discouragement took over as Amaya was faced with another day of trying to manage her online course load.