By Sarah Alaeddin – Executive Editor
If typical school years begin with a bang, then this one began with a quiet thud. We asked Rutgers University-Newark students about their experiences with the pandemic and online learning, and here’s what they said.
Name: Jebreal Habehh
Year: Sophomore
Major: Undecided, planning to join RBS
Have you taken online classes before? If so, then how is this different?
“If the ending of last semester counts, then yes. Other than that, no. The classes are more confusing, and the homework is ten times more than normal. (Professors, if you are reading this: take notes!)”
How does it feel to be taking remote classes as a sophomore?
“It’s hectic and confusing for the most part. This year has just been hectic overall if I’m being honest.”
What are you missing out on (or gaining) through remote learning?
“I am missing out on gaining actual learning and knowledge. School online does not teach me anything. And if I’m being honest, most teachers do not really know how to work the computer and do not really specify instructions for homework or classwork…Even tutoring is a waste of time. The school makes us pay as much as we do for nothing really. [Rutgers] should put more effort into who they hire as professors and faculty.”
What’s the first thing you want to do on campus when Rutgers safely reopens?
“Go to class and get my money’s worth!”
Name: Brianna Miranda
Year: Junior
Major: English
How has your life changed since the start of the pandemic?
“I think the most drastic thing that changed my life was losing my job. After the shut down, I was unable to go to work for five months. Once Governor Murphy re-opened things, the facility I was working at was no longer able to stay open so I was left unemployed and had to look for work elsewhere. Although it was not the best situation and I was very upset when I lost my job, I started entrepreneurship which has been such a great experience for me that it has inspired me to try and be my own boss for as long as I can.”
Have you taken online classes before? If so, then how is it different?
“I took an online math class my senior year of high school, but it is not comparable to the experience I am having now with online classes. The math class was less demanding… This experience is different in that everything has to be kept up to date and everything cannot be handed in at once. Being at home makes it hard to concentrate so I do not fully enjoy the online classes but, I have noticed the quality of my work is better because I have more time to actually do it.”
How does it feel to be taking remote classes as a junior?
“I feel very lucky that I am only a third year experiencing this pandemic because I had two years of a normal college experience; in class lectures, parties, making friends, crying in the library during finals week, etc. I have sympathy for incoming freshmen and seniors because the freshmen have to start their college years at home with a computer and the seniors are not getting the full experience of their last year in school. So, as a junior, being online this year is not that bad, but I would be upset if we were still doing remote learning by the time I myself am a senior.”
What are you missing out on (or gaining) through remote learning?
“I am definitely missing the in-person classes and interacting with other people; it’s lonely to learn by yourself in your room. But I will say that being in a live zoom lesson has focused my attention more on the lecture because I feel that the professor can better see when I get distracted and they can reel me back into the lecture. Despite the lectures being more or less enjoyable, the homework is harder to do at home because I tend to procrastinate because I am at home and feel that the work does not need to be done immediately.”
What’s the first thing you want to do on campus when Rutgers safely reopens?
“I am going to sit in PRCC with my friends and eat lunch together!”
Name: Sophie Kim
Year: First-year RU law student
How does it feel to be taking remote classes as a first-year law student?
“As a first-year law student, I definitely feel like I’m missing out on that fresh law school experience. The inability to meet other students and professors in the same physical space makes the overall experience less exciting and engaging. It is more difficult to form friendships, especially being in a new setting with new people.”
What are you missing out on (or gaining) through remote learning?
“I definitely gained more sleep from cutting out the need to commute. I’m missing out on the face to face interactions I would’ve had with other students and professors being online.”
What’s the first thing you want to do on campus when Rutgers safely reopens?
“The first thing I’d do is meet with friends.”