In the event that Syracuse University decides to transition to remote learning this semester, students must be prepared with ways to stay motivated and healthy. Being isolated in a dorm room can harm students’ ability to stay on track with their classes due to effects of the pandemic on mental health.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau included in a Commonwealth Fund article found that between May 12 and May 24, 2021, 20.5% of Americans aged 18 to 29 needed counseling or therapy but did not get it, the highest percentage of the included age groups.

College is said to be some of the most memorable years of one’s life because it is filled with constant social interaction, special events and school affiliated activities for students to explore during their four years. Additionally, engaging classes taught by knowledgeable professors from around the world are a great privilege of coming to SU.

If SU announces it will be continuing classes online this semester, the active social life that college students thrive in will be taken from them. As a community, we should plan ahead with ways to maintain a positive, motivated attitude to excel in our classes and studies. Isolation can sometimes lead to lower grades and poor mental health effects, but it doesn’t have to.

Some small ways students can stay engaged during remote learning is by contacting their professors directly to build a relationship with them. Not being in person for class creates a divide between students and teachers, hindering the personal relationships that have been formed.

Emailing professors with questions can help students understand how to excel in a class, as well as give the professors an opportunity to get to know the students and their learning style. This is a simple way to participate and keep track of important details about assignments that students who don’t reach out may not catch. It’s challenging for students to pay attention in Zoom classes with the constant distractions in a dorm or public setting on campus, so this is an easy step that can help students stay motivated and prepared in class.

Some students think that online classes give them more time to finish their work and more flexibility to set their own schedules. Since college students are usually in their dorm rooms for remote learning, however, it’s important to put away distractions in order to focus in class. It becomes easy to fall behind with the ability to go on your phone during class, mute yourself and talk to friends and do other work instead of paying attention to the professor on Zoom.

To avoid burnout during isolation periods, students should plan times throughout the day to go outside or get meals with friends. Adding activities throughout the day to be active and get out of the dorm room will help students’ mental health and help them maintain good grades. Finding friends who share the same work ethic as you is another helpful strategy to not feel completely on your own in online classes. The pandemic has been a major challenge for everyone, so it is crucial to work together and keep each other motivated if SU classes become remote.

Jean Aiello is a freshman magazine, news and digital journalism major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at jdaiello@syr.edu.

Published on January 26, 2022 at 9:44 pm