BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
It’s finally time for the majority of STLCC students to formally return to in-person learning.
Going forward, for at least the foreseeable future, that in-person learning is going to feel just a tad bit different. The pandemic is still very much a real threat, even if steps and precautions are being taken to minimize the risk.
While the world struggles to return to normal, here are some tips to not help you struggle in this altered, COVID-19 world of learning.
Wear Your Mask!
Pandemic fatigue is a real thing, and the fact that mask wearing is still required is likely disheartening to the majority of people on campus, especially if they have been fully vaccinated. However, with the continuing threat of the Delta variant, it’s more imperative than ever to continue to wear your mask the proper way. STLCC does a good job cleaning and sanitizing the classrooms, but you never know what might happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Put space between your classmates (if possible)
As highlighted by Professor Maxine Beach in this issue’s lead story, it may not always be possible to social distance inside a packed classroom. But if your class size is alot smaller, and the room is fairly large, sit a couple of desks away from your other classmates to minimize the potential risk.
Stay home if you feel ill
Now more than ever, instructors understand if you need to take a sick day. Most class work can be done remotely, after all. Just keep them in the loop, and all should be well.
Carry disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer on you for personal use.
The college does a great job cleaning the buildings and classrooms in accordance with COVID protocols, and hand sanitizer stations are present in multiple locations in every building. However, it never hurts to have your own personal stash, particularly of the latter item, and especially if you’re weary of touching something that a lot of other people may have touched. And disinfecting your classroom desk and/or the area in which you choose to study is never a bad idea.
Bare with your professors
For many of your STLCC instructors, this semester consists of the first face-to-face classes that they’ve taught in at least 17 ½ months. No matter how experienced a person is, getting jitters and being nervous are always real possibilities.
Add in trying to project your voice to an entire classroom while wearing a mask, not to mention projecting that voice for an incredibly long period of time. This likely isn’t the return to campus that they imagined either.
So listen carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask them to say something again if you couldn’t quite understand them. Ask if they have lecture notes available as well… those really can help fill in potential crucial blanks.
Focus!
Being back in an environment with other students after so much time away may feel a little overwhelming, and it can be tempting to let your eyes wander off of your studies. It’s good to be around people again, but don’t let your academics start to slip in all of the excitement.
Be prepared to move online at a moment’s notice
STLCC’s response to COVID-19 is continuously evolving, as the pandemic itself also is. While STLCC likely doesn’t anticipate a return to virtual learning in the near future, it is always a possibility. For many, online learning can be a real challenge, although hopefully one that students have mastered during their pandemic exile.
