Random Post 1
Online Classes
I was supposed to study abroad in Korea during the spring semester but the week before my flight, USC cancelled the program altogether because of coronavirus. As a result, I ended up having to take online summer classes in order to make sure I could still graduate on time. Instead of the 18 units I would have gotten from studying abroad, I was only able to get 12 units from the summer courses. This made it so I have to currently take 20 units in order to make up for those lost units and still be able to graduate on time. It’s a bit daunting to be taking so many units in a semester and I hope this semester won’t be too stressful.
Since I had summer classes, I ended up getting used to online classes. Since there aren’t any in-person classes this semester and I don’t have to walk to them, it’s a lot more convenient to take classes. I don’t have to worry about getting up extremely early to get ready, nor do I have to worry about being late and missing the bus to school. Also, because I can eat whenever I want during the day, I quite enjoy having online classes. On top of that, I can sleep more and right after waking up, I can take my classes. In the summer, I took three classes which consisted of one Korean language class and two East Asian culture classes. Since most of the classmates I met in my Korean class are also in the current semester’s class as well, the class felt less awkward to begin with. Of course, my other classmates are nice people as well.
Since there aren’t any in-person classes, I can’t meet up with friends and can’t really make new friends well. The friend that I met last fall semester said that he wouldn’t be taking classes this semester and would be taking a gap year instead because he doesn’t like the idea of online classes. As a result, even though we’re still good friends, there isn’t much to talk about between us since nothing eventful is happening in our lives. Also, since I don’t have to walk to classes anymore, I hardly do much regular exercise. Usually I spend a lot of time on campus walking every day. I know I definitely need to exercise but these days I don’t have much motivation to do so.
Hi Darren! We can all relate to this situation because it's a different experience taking online classes than in-person classes. Good luck with your coursework this semester and I'm sorry that you couldn't study abroad in Korea! My study abroad experience in Barcelona got cut short because of COVID so I can definitely empathize with you there. Even if you couldn't study abroad in Korea I would recommend going if you haven't been before. I've been to Korea multiple times to see family and it's such a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteHey Darren, I am sorry to hear that your study abroad was canceled because of COVID. It really bums me out to hear that it also forced you to take summer classes and increased your unit load for this fall semester, that is truly unfair. Online classes do have their pros and cons. Waking up right before class or eating whenever you want is great; I really do not miss the struggle of trying to fit in a meal in between classes. Even though that is great, I still miss the in-person interaction that you are talking about; it is something that I feel like we all take for granted sometimes. I hope your classes go well and you do not stress out!
ReplyDeleteHey Darren, I feel you on this one. While I had the luck of my Hungarian school starting 1 month before we got sent home, I at least got to enjoy part of the experience. I'm sorry the opportunity was taken from you before you got the chance to go. Regarding the online classes, I am with you. It's so convenient to do everything at home and not have to worry about being late or hungry, but I miss the social aspects and walking around campus. I love exercise and walking to class was always a good way to get it in even on days that were too busy for a real workout. I recommend going on walks or runs around your neighborhood! It's really nice to get out and feel good in these weird times.
ReplyDeleteHey Darren, thanks for your post! I agree with you about how online classes make life a little easier now that we can have more time for sleep and meals. But I also think it's very worth while to get a little bit of exercise throughout each day. Getting in shape is one thing, but the psychological benefits I seem to get from biking, running, and swimming are another. I think it really gives you a chance to clear your mind and boost your endorphins.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you about how it's more difficult to make new friends this semester, but I'm glad to hear many of your friends are in your classes now. Great post, and I wish you luck!
Hi Darren, I enjoyed your post on your perspective of online classes! I really enjoyed how you spoke both on the things you do like and the things you don't like. You bring up some great benefits of online classes and I have to agree. Being in the tough situation that we all are in right now, I always like to think of the positive side of it. However, as you point out, online classes are just not the same. I was also looking forward to meeting new people in my classes, but with things online it becomes a little more difficult. I'm glad that you're still able to see the positive side of having online classes!
ReplyDeleteDarren, I think we can all really relate to this post. Online classes are really hard, for so many reasons. It is not just about not being in front of the teacher, but the fact that we don't have as many lively interactions with people. I am someone who feeds off of other people's energy, and so when I am in my room doing class all by myself, I have no motivation to do anything. I used to love walking to and from class and running into friends on the way. I miss in person teaching. Although people think the future will be online, I think that is underestimating the importance of human interaction. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHey Darren I totally feel you here. I was studying abroad in Germany before COVID cancelled everything and I had to finish the semester online. Also what you were saying about not having the daily exercise of walking to class and not having much motivation to exercise now seems to be very widespread during quarantine since gyms are so hard to access right now. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteHi Darren, thank you for the post. I can relate to you in every aspect. It is a very different experience from in-person to being online. I had so much plan for last spring and summer, but COVID pretty much changed everything. However, we're all adjusting the best we can. I agreed with you that being online brings distances in classes. It's pretty strange to not be able to see our friends and classmates.Overall, thank you so much for sharing your perspectives!
ReplyDeleteHey Darren, I sympathise with you. This pandemic has certainly been very spontaneous and didn't leave us with much time to prepare for it. I certainly didn't expect to be away from my friends for such a long time. It's easy to lose motivation to do anything nowadays but I think you should definitely stay positive. Your health is a top priority right now so make sure you stay safe and keep exercising.
ReplyDelete