Our world is more interconnected than ever before, even while we are social distancing in unexpected ways. Since the pandemic’s presence, millions of working citizens have been given the new title, “work from home,” making them turn into remote workers almost overnight, as companies aim to achieve their operation during this global pandemic.  

The pandemic introduced an exciting schedule, waking up in the morning, slipping into a new pair of pajamas, opening the laptop, and having a video call that only shows your face. This may seem unique and comforting, but this schedule affects people both mentally and physically. 

As August emerged, the school bells started ringing, and students also followed, with the pandemic schedule. As a school community, we should embrace this increased isolation as an opportunity to educate ourselves in a new way instead of letting this isolation pull us away from our goal.  

“I do sometimes enjoy working from home, but I miss the presence and the feeling of a classroom, seeing my teachers in the morning and walking through the hallways,” says Noor Januja, a junior at Palo Verde High School. 

As students, going to school was a major part of our daily routine, and a place where we had human interactions. Us humans are social creatures, and must have interaction because without those interactions, we become lonely, gain social anxiety, or have negative self-esteem. 

“I really didn’t think that it would be hard to sit around all day and stare at a screen considering that’s basically what I did all summer. Except during summer break, I mostly sat around and binge watched Netflix, whereas now I have actual work that requires actual focus. So I think I severely underestimated how hard it would be to stay focused, but I try to step away from the screen various times throughout the day which helps me focus,” replied Catherine Caravalho, a junior, in reference to her online school dilemmas.  

Students that are being educated from online learning may feel less motivated, they may have a hard time focusing, and might feel isolated.  

Emma Cornia, a Junior at Palo Verde, says, “Online school has been a struggle because staring at the computer screen all day causes headaches and it has increased more distractions like playing games and texting. Also, things are due later at night rather than at school.” 

Online learning brings distraction since students are at home and are exposed to phones, younger siblings, pets, and outside noises. Also, sometimes technology causes difficulties in turning in assignments or attending a class.  

Overall, this pandemic has connected the world more than ever before. It has made us expand and learn with technology. This school year is going to be a unique experience and it is going to be challenging, but as students, we can learn and advance in this new distance learning.