Students may be getting used to virtual learning, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy it. Of course, virtual learning brings a host of benefits, from rolling straight out of bed into online classes, to extra work time (or nap time) in between synchronous sessions. With that being said, sitting in front of a computer all day with little social interaction can quickly grow old, as relaxation turns to boredom, and ease turns to loneliness. However, AFHS students have come up with ways to cope.
For a few students, sleep seemed to be a source of comfort--or merely a way to pass the time. “Sleep, sleep until the body aches, then sleep some more,” Logan Tiber, a senior, recommended. Another senior, T.J. Abernathy, stated that he draws during class meetings to pass the time, then naps during asynchronous times. Before following these students’ example, however, keep in mind that while a great way to catch up on much-needed sleep after an all-nighter, too many naps can actually have the opposite effect than intended, according to the Mayo Clinic. So nap responsibly.
Several high schoolers have fallen back onto technology for entertainment and the much-needed social aspect that the pandemic has made difficult to find. Gillian Foster, a junior, said “Minecraft with friends after school” helps her fight boredom. Shane Menzigan (12) said, “I talk to friends using Discord, which is essentially Skype. Really helps.” Experts would agree about the importance of maintaining socialization, even during quarantine--as an Atlantic article notes, using a variety of media formats--texting, calling, Facetime--to interact with friends can prove beneficial.
Going out into nature can also help boost students’ moods and outlooks, whether alone or accompanied. When asked what he does to stay active during virtual learning, Kaleb Holder, a senior, wrote, rather poetically, “I bustle to a forest, follow the overgrown trails, jump into a stream, and pick fruit.” Logan Pastor (12), said, “I go to the park with friends after school.” Several areas in the vicinity offer an easy outlet for students to go into nature--the Apex Nature Park boasts a beautiful hiking trail, and Harris Lake, ten or so minutes away from AFHS, has a trail around the lake that students can hike.
For those to whom the idea of leaving the house sounds unappealing, Apex Friendship students mentioned one more way of keeping spirits high during virtual schooling: keeping busy and trying new hobbies. “I overload on work so I forget that I’m bored,” Fedora Castellino (12) said. Johana McGhee added, “I just try to busy myself with as many things as I can--because I’ve been in quarantine since April; it’s really all I can do.” Several students picked up a new hobby such as learning to play guitar or drawing to pass the time as well.
All in all, while virtual classes may be frustrating to students at times (or all the time), students should keep in mind that other students at AFHS find themselves in the same boat. Remember to turn in those assignments by 11:59, attend those virtual classes, and most importantly, keep searching for ways to fight boredom and loneliness during these strange times in the midst of the pandemic.
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