Early college students and high school seniors may be facing the most disruption in the COVID-altered academic landscape. This school year was not what they were eagerly anticipating. Worse, for many the pandemic has not only upended their current learning environment, it’s creating havoc with their future.
Recent research among a diverse group of high school seniors has turned up some alarming statistics. Nearly a third (32 percent) of students responding to a Global Strategy Group online survey said they are less likely to enroll in college. And of those who are planning to head to a college campus, just 39 percent feel that their online learning experience has given them a strong foundation for success. (Students already in college said they are more confident about their preparation in remote classes.)
It’s not just academics that are eroding confidence and adding to the stress. Students are missing out on milestones like presenting research at science fairs and excelling in championship sports meets that can give them an edge in competing for college slots. Not to mention the life-altering events not so academic, like proms, plays, and concerts.
If that sounds like your life, know that you can get past this. Sure, this whole school year — and a big part of last year — has been strange, stressful, and not at all what you expected. But this won’t last forever. Besides staying healthy, here are some things you can do now to stay strong.
Practice adaptability. This is real life, and life comes with change — some good and some not so good. Successful people know how to be flexible and adapt. Cultivating that skill now will serve you well for years to come. For more on this, check out “Cultivating Indigenous Resilience” on page 4.
Stay connected at school. Limit how much you might be shortchanged academically by proactively enriching your classwork and sourcing answers to your questions. Reach out to teachers and consider augmenting what you are learning with a free online course. And stay connected socially. Counter isolation by safely hanging out with friends. Also, don’t skip meetings of school-based clubs and organizations just because you can’t be there in person. If you have a virtual AISES chapter gathering, show up for the camaraderie as well as good advice and networking.
Be proud of your achievements. You are doing something difficult — you have learned to manage your time and digest online content. And you’ve done it in spite of few role models for succeeding at an online education. Honor what you’ve accomplished.