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The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Students
[edit]Introduction
[edit]During the pandemic, the upcoming classes of 2024 and 2025 that were either planning their senior year or transitioning into college in the fall were negatively affected academically, socially, and economically and psychologically.
Academically
[edit]The academic school year during the pandemic proved nothing short of normal. The world changed in an instant and so did the pressure of having to succeed in a new
environment, a student's home. While the pressure to succeed was alleviated with exemptions and waivers of certain academic testing, the lack of in person classes led to a different level of academic independence. Everyday, school proved to be difficult and stressful. Whether it was trying to study independently, or clarify questions, technology glitches made the transition an overall challenge. The Office of National Statistics reported that “ Remote learning was at best a partial substitute for in class teaching during the Coronavirus pandemic. Pupils covered substantially less material when working from home than their few peers that stayed in the classroom, according to teacher assessments.” For some students their work environment lacked structure and accommodations. Juniors and Seniors who were in the process of studying and taking standardized tests to achieve desired results had heightened anxiety. Without a prediction of the future September 2020 set learning on different paths. Many high school seniors continued to work online and looked at universities that pivoted towards a test optional approach. Some of their university choices were made by navigating through a screen. For Incoming college freshmen some universities shared a hybrid model. These changes in education coincided with dramatic social changes as well.
Socially
[edit]For most students, school is not just about academics, it is also about social interactions. School is a place to create long-lasting friendships and interact with peers. It is a way to improve social skills, which could be helpful in the future. Prior to the pandemic, schools provided students an advantage because they could join extracurricular activities. Many students enjoy participating in sports, music, school plays, robotics, and a variety of other activities. Participation in these activities helps students to be more attractive applicants to colleges, universities, and future employers. More importantly it expresses their identities. However, the pandemic set fear and anxiety for students, as the doors to socialization
to a halt. Many upperclassmen were forced to make unprecedented decisions without completing their after school sport teams or clubs. The senior class started to fear not starting off college their first semester, and having to face the possibility of missing out on experiences such as attending their senior prom and walking across the stage at commencement ceremonies. During freshman year in college, their experiences were not the same as a student before the pandemic because there were limited amounts of social activities on college campuses. It was a challenge to make new friends. From a student's perspective, life as a freshman during the pandemic was empty and gray. Many students in the class of 2024 did not attend their first semester because they were afraid of the virus, and parents' apprehension about paying for their children to only attend virtually.
Economically
[edit]Covid, affected the American economy. Since the start of the pandemic some parents were forced to make financial decisions that affected their student’s college decisions. The stock market took a major hit, triggering a freefall in share prices, including students' 529 college plans.The country saw historical declines across most financial and service sectors. Many businesses struggled and were mandated to close their doors, leaving many Americans out of work and struggling to put food on the table. The number of unemployed people in America went from 6.2 million in February to 20.5 million by May of 2020. Some parents were forced to share with their children that they would have to make alternative college plans for at least a year or two. While the United States government eventually rolled out 2 trillion dollars in a covid relief package, and many families received stimulus money and unemployment checks, survival became a priority. The negative effects on the economy resulted for some students a harsh reality.
Psychologically
[edit]As a result, mental and physical health impacted the lives of many students. Since no large gatherings were allowed, students were not permitted to see their friends, causing a feeling of loneliness. This new sense provided an increase of depressive feelings among young adults. A KFF study reported that 56% of young adults ages 18-24 showed anxiety or depressive feelings. A study conducted by the Census Bureau showed that 42% of young adults reported feeling anxious and depressed in December 2020. Along with the mental health aspect, not being able to have proper exercise impacted students' health. Being enrolled in a gym class in school gave students their exercise, so with everyone being stuck at home, many weren’t given the chance for physical activity with others. The University of Michigan’s psychiatry department recommended that students at home exercise by walking or jogging while social distancing.
Conclusion
[edit]As a result, the pandemic negatively affected many upperclassmen academically, socially, economically, and psychologically. Some students and their families were forced to make difficult decisions during these unprecedented times. This type of uncertainty left many students anxious and dealing with bouts of depression. While there has been some normalcy back within this school year, the side effects have continued to linger.
Citations:
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