TADA! We Got Through Our First Month

Written by Geovani Lewin and Shadaia Francis


TRANSITIONING
Look at us, fresh out of high school, taking university head-on. COVID-19 robbed us of a lot of experiences. We were subject to virtual classrooms, refused hall accommodations, and worst of all- NO late-night KFC. We got thrown into a tailspin by what will be exhaustingly called ‘these unprecedented times.’
So, we thought, ‘how are we going to adapt?’ Things seemed so inaccessible. We had to learn how to navigate the online space, figure out a balance between school and our personal lives, and not to mention finding a spot in our home to do these classes. Everything seemed like a mess!!
 
ADJUSTING – University, a Virtual Space
Things were difficult, right? The seniors reminded us to take control of our education because it’s our responsibility. Although we were disappointed about no face-to-face classes, there had to be that internal discipline to carry on. Registering for courses was a task, and you thought after you registered, things would get better, right? Wrong!
Things did not get better.
Visualize with me. Its Monday morning. You ate a healthy breakfast, probably combed your hair, got comfortable in your seat, and logged on to OURVLE. You are now ready to start your new chapter and BOOM! The link for your first class does not work. Let’s not even get started on a certain service provider dismissing us from our classes, ‘cause a dem a di teacha’. It’s not just the classroom that’s been transformed. Our whole university experience was translated into 1’s and 0’s. We interact with each other through screens, and we think we’re missing that meaningful connection that Wi-Fi can’t give. This is the new normal.
 
Dealing with It
Okay. All that other stuff is terrible, and it has been challenging, but guess what? That is life, and we must deal with it. How? The Faculty of Humanities and Education’s External Affairs Committee Chairperson, Savannah McDonald, says, “You’re a student first,” so let us start there. Be proactive about your education. Missed a class because of internet issues? Promise yourself to watch the recording. Connect with your classmates and lecturers. The virtuality has opened a communication channel that may be the most direct in all The UWI’s history. Take advantage of that. The university, especially The HumEdu Faculty, has not neglected us in these perilous times. The staff and Guild Council Representatives have made a move to make information and resources more available. So, do not use Corona as an excuse to flunk out. We are definitely going to get through this!
 
Alright, We got This!
None of us were ready for university. Nothing could have prepared us for this. That does not mean we will not be alright. Things started a little rocky, and that is okay. What matters is how we deal with it. Remember- be proactive about your education- your degree comes first. Centre yourself, find your ground, and make the most of this new experience.