At the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, students were given the option of online or on-site learning. Those who chose online learning were in some classes who had teachers from other schools, making switching to on-site learning at semester more difficult.

One student in particular, junior Emily Bell, has mixed feelings about this year’s learning. In addition to the already stressful year, being online shifted her work ethic in different ways.

“I think my time management has gotten better. My effort has stayed about the same and my motivation has gotten a lot worse,” Bell said.

Being at home has allowed Bell to spend her time how she wants to and she is able to create her own schedule. However, the format of learning caused her motivation to decrease rapidly.

“I get overwhelmed very easily about school now and sometimes I feel like it’s an endless cycle,” Bell said.

Moreover, Bell’s perspective and relationship with school has drastically changed this year. She finds it difficult to adjust to the given circumstances and that her focus in school is dealing with the consequences.

“My perspective on the importance of individual assignments has changed, but I get significantly stressed about it as a whole,” Bell said. “In the beginning, it felt like I didn’t have to take school as seriously, but now it feels a bit more normal and I have more accountability.”

Although being at home every day has its perks, Bell misses seeing her teachers and classmates.

“I miss seeing people and participating in class activities, but I enjoy being in the comfort of my own home,” Bell said.

Along with her fellow online classmates, Bell feels that although remote learning might reduce the anxieties felt at school, it increases the anxieties felt about time management and accountability, as they are on their own when it comes to staying on track.

Bell is looking forward to the 2021-22 school year to reconnect with her peers, make more memories and fulfill one final year in band.