Wow, I am relieved that I finally made it to the end of my freshman semester. No one could’ve predicted how the semester would turn out, but I knew that I had to finish strong despite the certain circumstances. I think this semester was more challenging for me than in the Fall semester. I didn’t think that I would have to leave earlier than expected and still put in a lot more effort at home compared to school. I think the biggest challenge was just trying to adjust at home with everyone inside the house and there being larger distractions that can derail my progress as a student. I kept on having computer problems and issues keeping up with deadlines that I have missed and assignments that were overdue. I think the best thing to happen to me during quarantine is that I can reflect and be in the comfort of my home. I’m grateful for that because I know that people have it way worse than me. Yes, they have a place to stay, but family might not be family for them right now. As a student, I would focus more on being organized and plan out my day and the objectives that I have to meet by a certain time. I would also give myself mental breaks and try to relax for a reasonable amount of time. I don’t want to be overwhelmed with work all the time, so I would distract myself by watching a show or cooking.
The biggest thing that I affected how I had to change and create an effective schedule was working around my mom. As a student, I have a responsibility to learn and receive my education, but as a family member, I have to help out in any way I can, even if I have to skip a few lectures or assignments. My mom right now works as an evening nurse in Jessup. She’s on the frontline during this crazy Covid-19 Pandemic that we’re having. I would have to stay up every time that she works just so I know that she’s back alright and I can help prepare her food for her the next day. Even this past Mother’s Day she was working just so I can be comfortable at home. And since I am not really employed, there would be days where I have to be super frugal with my money in order to buy essentials to feel comfortable inside. I think the biggest takeaway for me this semester was that patience is a virtue. I say this because, in quarantine, you find a lot about yourself and how you operate in times where you could have little to no motivation. That being said, if there is a semester I have to spend back online, I would definitely do my best to motivate myself and put in twice the energy I did before. Personally, I think quarantine taught me not only self-motivation but persistence and willingness to put in work.