Here’s to a New School Year

A teen’s tips to staying sane during the pandemic

By Jadyn Fisher

Our world is a crazy place right now. For adults, this pandemic has meant working from home and not catching a break from their kids. For students, it means getting an education from a new online environment.

As a high school junior, this year isn’t what I expected it to be. I feel many students can relate when I say that it can be difficult to stay motivated while sitting at a screen for six-plus hours a day. Here are some things that you can do to stay positive during this time.

Sandra Day O’Connor High School junior Kristen Le says she’s been affected by the pandemic.

“It is hard to focus, because you’re sitting in one spot for six hours with a total of 30 minutes of a break throughout the whole day,” Le says.

“It just fries our brains.”

To combat this, she says having a regular routine and structure helps her to stay on track.

“I just have a ‘schedule,’” she says. “I wake up and shower and then have class, then after school I’ll do any homework that I didn’t get to do during class and then I get ready for work.”

Students are also trying to get involved in clubs while continuing with online school. A lot of socialization forms, like lunch or talking to friends in passing, have been completely eradicated with the online model. Clubs are being bombarded with students just wanting something to do.

Sandra Day O’Connor sophomore Samantha Sharlot is trying to stay positive.

“I’ve been trying to get involved with more school activities through outlets like Zoom,” she says.

Many area schools are trying to get creative with clubs. Those who are interested in clubs should reach out to administration. That way, students know if there’s a virtual club rush or if there’s club news.

Online communities are great ways to stay involved as well. Even though large group gatherings aren’t a possibility right now, there are so many online communities. Whether that’s a class group chat, meeting new people with similar interests online, a group of friends to play video games with, or just FaceTiming a friend, it makes tough times easier.

Most teachers are open to having students reach out if they are struggling to navigate online school as well. They can be a resource, as well as designated counselors, if students need help—and there’s no shame in needing help.

It’s important to find your rhythm and do things that make you happy. Everyone is handling the pandemic differently, so see what works for you. Just think positive and keep your environment positive to make this year successful. Here’s to a new school year!

High school junior Jadyn Fisher offers some tips to staying sane during the pandemic. (Submitted photo)

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