Going into spring break, no student expected the rest of the semester to involve taking online classes scattered around the world. While online learning brings many challenges and emotional struggles, there are a few silver linings able to be found. Here are the top five reasons online classes can be enjoyable.
1. You get to wear pajamas to class.
If you want to roll out of bed and log in to your online class in exactly what you slept in (as long as it’s appropriate, of course), go for it. Such a freedom brings students right back to the joys of pajama days in elementary school.
2. You get your mom’s home cooking.
No longer will you have to walk across campus for your next meal or heat up those ramen noodles in your dorm microwave. While taking classes at home, all it takes is a little walk downstairs for some of that good comfort food you know you have been missing.
3. You get free laundry.
If you’re lucky, your mom might even do it for you. No longer do you have to scrounge up your quarters and walk to the laundromat in hopes a washer is available, all while debating if it’s worth the walk back to the dorm or if you should wait it out there.
Senior Coco Jayne said she is loving the free laundry and her newfound freedom to set a new routine.
“It’s nice to wake up whenever I want and set my own pace,” Jayne said. “Once I get in the swing of things, I think I will really enjoy school at home.”
4. You can move at your own pace.
As teachers send lectures online, you now have the power to go at your own pace, within reason, of course. If you do not understand something in a pre-recorded lecture, pause and rewind. You are in control of the pace, and you have the freedom to rewatch or fast forward.
5. You can customize the space to be as comfortable as you want.
This will most likely be the coziest school setting you will ever have. You are in control of your space, so make it comfortable. Wrap yourself in a blanket, light a candle and embrace your homey setting.
Senior Davis Atkins said although she would trade it in a heartbeat to be back on campus, the best part of online classes is the cozy space she now gets to utilize.
“I can listen to lectures snuggled up with a blanket, maybe even with a candle burning if I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed,” Atkins said. “I also love listening to class while sitting by a window. Most of the classrooms in the science building don’t have windows, and the natural light is a major mood booster.”
No, this isn’t the way anyone thought the year would finish, but there are some bright sides through it all. Get creative as you find ways to make the most of an unfortunate situation.
Sophomore Tayler Roetzel is letting herself enjoy some of the benefits while also missing the normal Harding experience. She said she is enjoying taking the occasional study break to take a nap, read a book, have a dance party or even take her dog on a walk.
“Although I miss seeing everyone face to face, I feel blessed to have this family time and freedom to use my time how I like,” Roetzel said.
