Author: MorningStar MM

Many people have benefited from online classes. During the pandemic, online class was the only option for most of us. While some thrive in online classes, most students I know, including myself, despise them. One of the biggest complaints about online education is the accelerated pace of learning. For those prone to procrastination, like me, this accelerated pace is a tremendous obstacle. With assignments, essay, and quiz deadlines piling up, once you fall behind, it is close to impossible to get back on track. Self-discipline and time management are skills not everyone has mastered, something online learning demands. Additionally, these classes tend to be extremely boring. Whether you are in a library or at home, it is very easy to get distracted. You don’t have the engaging environment of an in-person lecture to keep the material interesting and exciting.

Moreover, in some classes, there is little interaction between you, the instructor, and other students. I have taken an online class that was fully self-led. There was no meeting time for a virtual lecture. Putting all responsibility on the student, following the syllabus, and completing weekly assignments independently. This put tons of pressure on me, and I fell behind, ultimately failing the class. The student-teacher relationship is minimal, especially in the self-led classes, as mentioned. If you get behind it is hard for the instructor to work with you as there is no trust between student and instructor. While online learning offers flexibility, it lacks connection and understanding only an in-person class can provide.

As a commuter, college from my point of view is much different than those who stay on campus in the dorms. I enjoy the freedom of having my own place. When applying to college I considered staying on campus. Although considering the fact my partner and I just moved into our first home, I decided against the idea. Commuters have quite a bit more freedom than students in dorms. One glaringly obvious pro to being a commuter is that you don’t have to share a shoebox of a room with one other person. Finally, I get to have a concert in my car every day on the way to classes

On the other hand, the biggest con of being a commuter is the fact I am required to wake up extra early so that I can leave my house and arrive on campus on time, while also not having to rush to make it to my first class. The first month of school I did great. I woke up on time to get ready for the day, grab a coffee, and take my time getting to class. It was easy initially because I was excited and anxious to start school, but now that classes have kicked into full gear it has gotten harder and harder to wake up in the mornings. I have also noticed it is easier for me to wake up early Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for my 9:30 AM class than it is to wake up for my 11 AM class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To conclude, a commuter’s daily routine differs from someone living on campus, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get used to the schedule. If you plan your days out right and prioritize what is most important, you will have the ability to be an academic weapon.

When I made the decision to enroll in college after being out of high school for five years, I knew it was the right choice. I knew exactly what I wanted to study. First Nations Studies and Design Arts. In the first month of school, I am extremely proud of myself and how far I have grown as an adult. In high school I would have been known as a student who knew what was going on but was a terrible procrastinator. I would wait until the end of semester and print off all my assignments that were late and would cram to get all my work done to at least pass my classes. This was always stressful, and I would regret it every time, but I couldn’t get out of the habit.

Finally, the last thing I am proud of is my drive to try and create friends on campus. I have always had a hard time making friends. I am comfortable with the few close friends that I have that I’ve had no desire to make new friends. However, being a commuter on campus I have realized the importance of having friends in the classroom. In one of my big lectures, I introduced myself to the students next to me and this has led to me even going to lunch with one of them. I’m so proud of myself for making it even this far. Evolving from my shell and becoming a better adult has been one of my most prideful accomplishments.