Almost every day of my life for the past 10 and a half years has consisted of waking up, brushing my teeth, and going to school. This routine became so constant for me, as well as for countless other students in the world, that I actually became weary of it. That’s why on March 13, 2020, I was thrilled to hear that the school was going to be closed for 2 days. Eventually those 2 days extended to a week, then 2 weeks, and now it has almost been 8 months that I haven’t gone to school (for learning purposes). Many other students have opted to return to in-school, or regular learning, but I have decided to continue learning online for a little longer. This remote learning system in Carle Place schools is called “SWS” or School Within a School. 

My family and I opted for the SWS program because we decided that it’s best not to take the risk of possibly catching/spreading the virus, especially since I live with my grandparents. Some advantages which coexist with online learning are: not waking up as early, having much more time for homework and leisure activities, and being able to learn in the comfort of your own home. At the same time, there are some setbacks associated with online learning. For instance, everyday becomes very repetitive for me because I don’t have to leave my house for school. I miss learning and being in a school environment. I miss talking to my friends and laughing with them until our stomach hurt. I also just miss seeing people, and being in the same room as them. But I’m sure the students in school are also experiencing difficulties because of the difference in environment, like wearing a mask all day. 

Because of the distance between the students and teachers, I have to learn some things on my own. This can be frustrating at times, but since I do not have any elective or lunch periods, for once I actually have the time to do my schoolwork. Just as many students do, I use to procrastinate often when it comes to homework. But this habit has reduced because I have more time on my hands.

Oftentimes I wish I could go back to school, and for things to be normal again. Since normalcy varies from person to person, the best thing to do is to make everyday a new normal. In the meantime, I can take advantage of the SWS program by maintaining my school work as well as picking up other hobbies for my own benefit. Although not everyday is a perfect day during this atypical time, everyday is a new day, and that is all anyone needs.