If you’ve missed the “good resolution” train of 1st January 2021, no worries. There are still some late bloggers like me to catch up with the good vibes of the new year ✨🍾. And in fact, we’re not late at all.
For students, the period is particularly difficult. Most of us are stuck at home, in a tiny room, alone. We’ve left childhood behind, yet we are not independent yet. The future lying ahead is uncertain. It feels like we’ll never go out again to have a drink with some friends and meet new people. The labour market is changing and we don’t benefit from the same guidance as our predecessors. Chances are, we are not going to follow a straightforward path.
Online school is challenging. We are loosing connection with our professors and our fellow classmates, who we only see through the screens of our laptops. We don’t get to walk these fancy corridors, to immerse ourselves in characteristic atmosphere of classrooms and amphitheaters. Most activities that used to clear our minds are canceled: art classes, sports, book clubs… No wonder we are feeling lifeless and overworked!
Our physical and mental health should not get run over by our concerns for having good grades or trying to please the professors or school administrators. In fact, the large majority of them just really want the best for us and want us to succeed. Sometimes, it’s just hard to imagine what it’s like to be in our shoes. So we must do what is takes to have a constructive dialogue, and come to agreements about how to learn in these particular circumstances.
Students and Academics have a common objective: to train citizens whose competence mirrors the pride of the university. Good students want to learn and be prepared for their future. Good professors want to teach well and pass their knowledge to future generations. Or at least it’s what is should be.
As an aspiring researcher and professor, I don’t see the point of teaching without intention or without passion. How can anybody learn anything without curiosity? The desire to create is the engine of curiosity and curiosity is the engine of performing students.
I believe learning does not become more efficient by auto-torture and sleepless nights. A good environment is essential to a functioning brain.
So next time you are having a hard time this year because you are trying too hard to study, remember you have all the excuses in the world to take a break and to call a friend, or a professor for comfort. To take a day off, cook a good meal for yourself, have a nice hot shower and a good night’s sleep.
Take care.
