Category: Discussions

The best word I could use to describe exactly how I’m feeling is anxious. I’m experiencing a feeling of excitement but at the same time nervous about this new venture. This is extremely new for me, especially because I’m from Jamaica where the teaching structure is centered around the British system. I have been accustomed to the traditionally way of schooling in the sense that everything is done in the classroom, therefore transitioning to remote learning will require some adjusting. In spite of me experiencing a little anxiety being an online student, I’m gracefully and graciously embracing this change. As Kakuzo Okakura said, “The art of life lies in a constant readjusting to our surroundings.”

The picture above is the Blue-Lagoon in Iceland and it means a lot to me because I can vividly remember wanting to visit since I was merely a child.  I was taken aback by the beauty it exudes and this for me was like magic on earth. Last year that dream was about to come to reality had it not been for Covid-19.  Whenever I see this picture, it makes me hopeful for the future as I am reminded that amidst of all the chaos, loses and challenges that may arise in our lives, there lies so much beauty that’s waiting to encompass us.

This course makes me feel anxious. I didn’t expect to experience college like this. I came to this country about 2 years ago from Bangladesh. It’s my first semester here. I’m grateful to be here even though it’s virtual. I’m concerned that I won’t be learning as much as I could be if we were all in class. My screen time will definitely increase as class is online, the assignments will be online, and of course after completing all that, there’s social media. I’m worried that online courses will require more time than it would if it were to be on campus. It’d be easier to listen to a lecture and it’d be easier to focus. I understand during this pandemic we should be at home, but it can feel so lonely. I must say, the only thing I like about online courses is the flexibility it brings with it and I don’t need to take the train as much.

The picture below reminds me of home. I took this picture when I went hiking at Letchworth State Park. Since moving to New York, I missed the nature. Bangladesh is full of nature. It’s nice to escape the busy city sometimes. I try to go hiking and enjoy the outdoors as much as I can. It’s a great way to disconnect from your phones and take a break from school/work.

I don’t know any words I could use to describe how I feel about taking this course honestly. I guess you could say it’s one step closer to graduating. In some sick way I’m ready but not ready at the same time. Maybe because it’s online it doesn’t really feel like you get the raw college experience because everything is on a screen and real life is so crazy now that it sometimes gets in the way and it becomes a little hard to keep up. Despite that, I’m ready because education is really important to me and I know that at the end it will all pay off. That leads us into my worries and reactions to being an online student. I’m worried that I won’t perform to the best of my abilities, but this is just a general worry that I usually have for all of my classes. I’m also worried that we’ll never be able to go on campus in the upcoming years because of this pandemic. I know staying home is for the best but when you think back to 2 years ago, nobody would ever think their college experience would start off like this. However, on the bright side, being an online student is convenient and fun since you don’t have to wake up really early and get ready to take public transportation or get stuck in traffic everyday. It’s also more relaxing for the nerves to be in the comfort of your own home especially now when it’s so easy to get sick outside. History is crazy and we’re living it.

This picture of The Himalayan Mountains means something to me.

Every other month I change my wallpapers to mountains from different parts of the world and this month I chose The Himalayan Mountains. I usually find these pictures off google and admire them because mountains are really pretty and for some reason they make me feel more grounded.