These are uniquely confusing, testing and stressful times for all of us. Despite attempts to maintain our optimism, for many, the coronavirus has caused substantial emotional conflict and struggle. The virus has affected numerous facets of society, producing fear and presenting challenges on how to navigate and function during this uncertainty. Disruptions to daily life have directly impacted us all, myself and my family included. However, while we are all concerned about the future, the general atmosphere of ambiguity has exacerbated our anxiety and worry.
While the virus remains prevalent, technology and online platforms have become increasingly essential in the continuation of undergraduate study. Currently, education has transitioned to being offered online, enabling students to access lectures, content and assessments at home. Many universities have positively advanced their online teaching, ensuring the delivery of uninterrupted education to all of us who are isolated. However, the transition to online learning has resulted in the absence of structure that a university environment typically promotes. As such, adjusting to this new rhythm of life relies on our successful adaptation to distance learning. Our previous norms are no longer.
As a paramedic student, learning alongside my peers has always provided me with sanctuary—an environment where I could disengage from reality and immerse myself in a community of like-minded knowledge seekers, if only for a few hours each week. In March, my university rightly and justifiably decided to shift its teaching online, using digital tools and platforms to aid learning. Our practice placements were deferred, and objective structured clinical examinations suspended. Adjusting to these unique circumstances has led to challenges for myself and my peers, and so, I began to wonder about the wider emotional and psychological impact of this situation on other students.
The transition to online learning has resulted in the absence of a scheduled university environment, to a home environment that, for many, represents significant challenges and adjustments. Though universities are implementing and encouraging special measures to prevent potential setbacks, many students are facing anxious circumstances, worrying that their grades will suffer as a result. The potential difficulties that arise from virtual learning are, unfortunately, largely out of the control of universities and educational institutions. Online teaching is wholly reliant on a strong internet connection, which inevitably varies from student to student. Furthermore, some students may lack internet access entirely or, in some cases, a home computer. In situations such as this, maintaining a semblance of normalcy and ensuring progression is arguably, largely unachievable. Moreover, home learning does not always encourage productivity or concentration; and while mine is not the worst, households are inevitably bustling and distracting environments. I fondly miss the sanctity of the library, which provided a mental and physical separation between academia and home life.
While this new normal is sufficient and necessary for now, university education represents a social and community experience. Beyond the electronic connection, students like myself, benefit from connecting emotionally, particularly in times of unrest. Moreover, students do not always have a safe environment at home and have found comfort and security in a community of schoolfellows.
Currently, we continue to operate in a world that is incredibly different to the one we are accustomed to. For many, this has become incredibly difficult and problematic. In my case, anxiety and worry prosper on silence, disconnection and segregation. I want to emphasise something of utmost significance: during this time, and even as restrictions may ease, it is important to understand that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Modern technology is readily available to many of us, enabling an instant connection with friends and loved ones. In a time of anxiety, we must ensure we are there for one another, continuing to show solidarity and reassurance.
Furthermore, it is increasingly likely that during this unprecedented time, you may have or continue to experience exacerbated levels of anxiety or stress—this has most certainly happened to me. It remains important that we communicate and voice our worries as much as possible, to remind each of us that we are together, and not alone.