By Ashley Strehl, Editor in Chief
It has been over a month since Northwestern has shut its doors due to the coronavirus outbreak of 2020. Most students have moved home and their classes are all online. See how these 4 NWOSU students are “corona-coping.”
Brittni Taylor
Senior biology major
What are you doing with all your new free time?
“I am mostly playing video games, working and doing housework.”
How do you feel about being stuck at home? Do you miss going to school?
“I definitely miss being at school. I miss the routine of having to be somewhere at a certain time rather than just being home all the time.”
What has been your biggest challenge with the new online format?
“Staying focused on lectures and doing assignments when I have animals and my phone distracts me.”
What has been the best part of the new format?
“That I can wake up 10 minutes before a class starts and still zoom in on time. I also like being in my hometown throughout the week instead of just weekends.”
Do you have any advice for students who are bored?
“Getting out to go for a walk or even a drive can help the feeling of being stuck at home. Playing video games or catch up on movies or shows are also other ways to keep from being bored while staying inside.”
Marisa Wilkinson
Senior early childhood education major
What are you doing with all your new free time?
“I have been working a lot, I try to get at least 10 thousand steps in a day along with at least 30 minutes of exercise.”
How do you feel about being stuck at home? Do you miss going to school?
“I miss seeing my friends and teachers, ‘Hi Dr.Golightly!’ However, I’m trying to focus on the good in the situation.”
What has been your biggest challenge with the new online format?
“My biggest challenge with this format is motivation and communication. I am not physically at college and I’m home with my parents. I have to remind myself daily it is NOT summer yet.”
What has been the best part of the new format?
“I surprisingly comprehend more information from lecture videos if I am in the comfort of my own home. I can rewind lecture videos instead of having to raise my hand and ask the professor to repeat herself.”
Do you have any advice for students who are bored?
“I want you to ask yourself: ‘What are some things I used to love doing before college?’ I love taking on DIY projects but once I started college that had to be put on the back burner so I could focus more on my school work. I also make time to work out. I refuse to come out of the quarantine in worse shape than I already am in. Doing 30 minutes of exercise and 10,000 steps a day is a good start! Also here’s an idea: you could always be a tutor. Some parents are still working full time with the responsibility or having to educate their own children. Help the parents out, the school usually provides the curriculum the kids just need someone to teach them and it could be you.”
Sydney Endsley
Sophomore theatre major and art minor
What are you doing with all your new free time?
“I watch TV, play video games and work on homework.”
How do you feel about being stuck at home? Do you miss going to school?
“I like being at home. No I do not miss being at school because I enjoy family time.”
What has been your biggest challenge with the new online format?
“My lighting design and art classes are difficult. It is hard to design a show and do some artwork without the proper equipment that is offered on campus.”
What has been the best part of the new format?
“I can, (almost), do my homework whenever I want.”
Do you have any advice for students who are bored?
“Get ahead in your homework. Go out and have fun. Start a new hobby, or pick back up on an old one.”
Erika Hernandez
Sophomore accounting major
What are you doing with all your new free time?
“I am working full time so I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do I like to sit in my hammock and watch TikToks or paint.”
How do you feel about being stuck at home? Do you miss going to school?
“I’m enjoying being at home because I was so busy with school that I didn’t get to come home often, but I miss having a routine, being on campus and seeing all of my friends.”
What has been your biggest challenge with the new online format?
“My biggest challenge has been teaching myself. I am not super high tech-savvy so PowerPoints and homework have been a struggle. Also, the zoom meetings are sometimes during my work schedule so that has been a little tough.”
What has been the best part of the new format?
“The best part about the format is that most professors are understanding and will work with you if you talk to them. Also, if you still need help there are still a lot of people on campus that can help you with just one phone call.”
Do you have any advice for students who are bored?
“My advice is to just be bold during this time and look on the bright side. Pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but never had time to do. You should also enjoy being home and spending time with your family! Ride Rangers, Ride!”