An Open Letter to the Class of 2022

The Sparta learning community is in the midst of a challenge: online schooling. For some, this may be a blessing but others may find this time off difficult to adjust to. This new experience took us all by surprise, and took Spartans a while to adjust. Over time, however, it seems that students and teachers are becoming well accustomed to it. As a sophomore myself, I have come to find that there are many advantages and disadvantages of online learning. 

For one, we have collectively declared our relief in no longer having to worry about being late to school. There is no need to force ourselves up early in the mornings and rush in order to make it to school on time. This increase of sleep has provided many of us with a burst in energy level and motivation for us to tackle our school work. 

Nonetheless, we're finding it hard to use our time wisely under online schooling. We've found ourselves needing to make schedules and plan ahead with our classes. Otherwise, we'll fall behind. In addition, a lot of us stay up until late at night anyway because there is no need to wake up early! Many of us have learned the hard way that it takes responsibility in order to succeed. 

We may find it easier to learn when we are behind a screen because there are limited distractions We may be more immersed in work considering we are right in front of the screen and cannot talk to classmates during the lesson. Many of us grasp concepts much faster this way. This does not mean there are no distractions at home however. It is more tempting for us to go on our phones when there is no teacher monitoring us. In addition, our families are all home at the same time, making it difficult for us to work. We must create a workable space to complete schoolwork. 

In some situations, it may be harder to teach a lesson without certain classroom resources such as the whiteboard and a projector.  In a classroom one can argue that the teacher can better engage with their class in person. In addition, teachers have limited time to teach their classes. Some of us may find it easier to ask certain questions in a classroom setting. Luckily, it is easy for us to speak up and ask questions just like in a classroom. Our ever-supportive teachers make themselves available as much as they can through virtual office hours and we are grateful. We can stay involved, participate enthusiastically, and stay ahead of the game. 

Many of our stress levels have lowered significantly during this time off. We rarely have scheduling conflicts and we can clear our heads when focusing on our academics. We have discovered a more flexible learning schedule. One downside to note is that we may get accustomed to this learning style. We must remember that eventually we will need to go back to normal schooling. As fluctuant as this uncertainty may seem, sooner or later we'll be back in the all-familiar classrooms. 

Like many of you, I miss seeing my friends in person each day. I miss interacting with not only my friends, but people in general. This is definitely a huge change we had to get used to! Learning with others around makes school a fun environment, which cannot be replicated by online school. 

Online learning is a huge change for Spartans, but so far we have been going on strong, and we will continue to never stop learning and succeeding, whether we are in the classroom or in our homes. 

Wishing everyone safety and support, 

Noelle Hanek, Class of 2022.