Since most of us could not physically attend the class in the school because of the pandemic, studying online had indeed become an exciting yet challenging adventure. The mingling of online studies and daily routine makes life more stressful than before because the clear distinction between them is a proper way to help each of us maintain a refreshed mind and good health. It is like self-study now because of the absence of teachers and other classmates, which means that we have also lost the happy moments of being together with others. Therefore, I consider online studying an adventure in which both danger and safety, failures and victories are present, but adventure always brings us opportunities and potential growth as long as we are willing to pass through it.
As every student faced difficulties studying online, I also experienced some challenges that ultimately revealed both my weaknesses and strengths in the “new normal.” First of all, I am very grateful for the equipment for studies and a stable network provided by the community because these conditions are the “fertile soil” for me to cultivate the “seed of knowledge” online. However, I cannot take these materials for granted as I heard others’ struggles to find a favorable study condition.
It was the first academic year for me to enroll in Theological studies, yet I had finished the studies without knowing where the classrooms were. I realized that studying online was not as easy as I thought. The limitation of the social platform made it hard to gain more knowledge, and I did not have a good chance to discuss with other classmates during break times. Since the information coming from the school was not limited to a specific period, I had to pay more attention to the new updates about the class and homework; thus, the reminding of other classmates living in the same community was a great help.
Another challenging thing for me was that I had to put more effort into self-discipline regarding studying and surfing. While learning in front of the computer for a long time, I was often distracted by other things interesting yet unrelated to my studies, such as movies, short clips, and news. I would struggle to concentrate on what I was doing and what I needed to do, and it seemed that spending time on entertainment became much easier when I exposed myself to social media. As one tends to find solace when encountering tasks and difficulties, I also faced the battle to keep my inner peace and freedom.
Coming from my experiences, I have been practicing two ways that help me cope with my struggles studying online. Since I have to stay in the “virtual world,” either exploring or relaxing every day, the best gift for me has always been the people with whom I live. We can find entertainment on social media immediately, but they are not real. Honestly, I feel empty and guilty after spending a lot of time browsing. However, the time I spend with my brothers in the community, praying, talking, laughing, and playing together, seems to be a “tangible” blessing that leads my whole being in a better direction. I am enriched and strengthened by the “real encounters” with others. I think the family members and some nearby friends are the real support for the students stressed by their studies.
As far as health is concerned, I frequently give myself at least twenty minutes each day to do some exercises. When the reading materials or the assignments occupy me, I tend to neglect others and the schedule in which I am supposed to have a break; therefore, even when I study alone, I always have a regular timetable that helps me study flexibly and effectively. Studying is essential for students, but it is just a main part of our lives. I have learned that studying prudently yields more fruits than studying hard, meaning that we need to be flexible in online learning. According to each one’s condition, making suitable schedules, like times for break or rest, is a wise way to pass through this difficult time.
As this adventure goes on, we need to equip ourselves with some instruments, such as friendship and self-discipline, for unavoidable traps. The experience of studying online has indeed been a challenging journey in which we experience ups and downs, but God is never absent. I have experienced frustrations and joys in the past year, but I am undoubtedly grateful when looking back at them in the light of faith. When I admit my weakness, I learn how to be strong, for “his power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
