Covid-19 continues to impact the lives of students

By Jenna McLennan

March 12, 2021

The pandemic that started in March of 2020 completely flipped the field of education upside down. Students and teachers moved to online and hybrid learning. There was a new way to learn, and now, a year later, there are still barriers to overcome.

“In the beginning it was very hard to navigate the computer to learn because I wasn't used to learning just on a computer, getting on to new websites, remembering 10 different passwords for different sites. Once you get the hang of it it's not hard at all, but it was such a sudden switch in lanes,” said a South Colonie senior, Sarah Howlan.

Many students, including Howlan, have seen a difference in their motivation to complete work and attend school. There's no teacher in front of you to help guide you and keep you on track; having that help is very helpful to many students

“It's very tempting to hit snooze on my alarm and go back to bed, or log into my class for attendance and go right back to bed. Being home and in bed doing school is something I have and still am adapting too” Kayla Novak a senior at Colonie high school.

Students, and even teachers, have seen a changes in their mental health. Humans are supposed to have interactions especially, during teenage years when students are trying to figure out life. Not having people around to push you to do your best can be very hard on people.

“My mental health has decreased rapidly. Being home and secluded from people is awful. I miss walking down the hallways seeing my friends and doing some silly handshake or just shouting their names. It was the little things that brightens my day” Novak said.

Even with these changes there have been positive outcomes. There have been many new discoveries of helpful websites and new tools for education. Students have also said they have seen a raise in their grades.

“I have seen a huge increase in my grade, I feel it because I can do things at my own pace. I don't feel rushed and I can work at a pace that I feel comfortable with so I can do a good job and feel good with the work that I do,” Howlan said.

Many students have had to change their outlook of what they wanted to do after highschool because of Covid-19. There are still many students who have not.

Alyssa Molitor, a senior in high school said she never knew what she wanted to do 100% after college but she knew she really wanted to go away to college and to a good one.

“I was planning on going away for college but with the conditions we are in with this pandemic I thought it would be a better idea to just stay home and save money, “ Molitor said.

No one was expecting this pandemic, especially high school seniors. This has changed the whole game. Everyone is trying to make the most of it but it is hard with all the changes students have had to experience.