Once the spread of the virus indicated implementation of a countrywide lockdown, most college students were advised to go back home. This unexpected change in the immediate environment during an ongoing semester affected different students differently. The lockdown meant a lot of free time on their hands, hence for some, this was a positive change since they could use this time to their advantage and spike their productivity levels. While, for some, it drastically reduced productivity. In no way is the atmosphere at home and college the same for anyone. In fact, socially active people or those belonging to dysfunctional families have been stuck at home for an indefinitely long period, resulting in their mental health taking a huge blow.
Some institutes arranged online classes given social distancing. It was good news for those who were now able to make better use of their time. Needless to say, not everyone was able to keep up with this mode of teaching as it’s very different than usual classroom interaction. Sleep schedules of students were wrecked, the attention span was not the same as that in college, and the classes were more often than not, unproductive. This furthered the anxiety and stress levels among students because things only seemed to be spiraling down for many.
There was also widespread confusion regarding the conduct of examinations. Some colleges suspended them while others will continue with online assessments. This situation has also been extremely critical for the students appearing for placements and internships. The dip in our economy has cut down opportunities since companies have had to take cost-cutting measures. The uncertainty in their future is undoubtedly very frightening for those who graduated. Luckily, some companies have been actively offering courses and ‘work from home’ opportunities to students as well.
Let's talk about the students in schools. Those who were to pass their 12th boards in the year of 2020 were uncertain of their results and exams taking place till July and entrance exams were delayed for weeks and even months. Those who are still in school have to study through online classes and do twice the homework.
“I have lost all my focus and enthusiasm that I had earlier,” says Gurman, a former class 12th student from Delhi who as of June 23, 2020, was uncertain about the exams she still had to give or to not give. “I have become very moody, unlike my past mannerisms. I have consciously tried to suppress the anxiety but it has only gotten worse. I could talk to my parents about these feelings but I simply refuse to open up to them.”
Sanjana, who is in the same position as Gurman says, “The uncertainty of board exams has affected my mental health greatly, although I have bonded with my family more during the lockdown, it also gets irritating sometimes. My parents are very supportive and understanding so it helps me out.”
“The pandemic has not affected me much as my parents are very supportive, and even the assignments from school are not too much for me to handle. It gets frustrating because I had to give my tenth boards this year but they got canceled, then I had to cancel all my after board plans with my friends and family” says Srishti, 11th grader from Mumbai. “The Lockdown was stressful for me initially, but slowly I have gotten used to it. It has brought a sudden rhythm and peace within that would’ve been more or less impossible to achieve with my routine, non-pandemic lifestyle.” 17-year-old Arpita finds some silver lining in these grey clouds.
This has been a trying time for everyone, but what binds us is that we’re all together in this. Knowing that we’re not alone in whatever we’re feeling is sometimes all that we need.
We can say that although the pandemic has affected many students negatively, some appreciate the support and the lessons they have learned from it, and some are just waiting for their lives to return to the old normal if possible.
There’s hope that normalcy will return soon. Things will change for everyone and life shall not remain the same anymore, nevertheless, we shall find our cozy spot in this endlessly raging sea of life.
BY: MEDHA KHITOLIYA AND SNIGDHA MEHRA
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