Papers, Projects, and a Pandemic
LSU students share how they stayed on task while staying at home
The 2020 Spring semester was one to remember. Covid-19 brought about unexpected changes to the way we experienced academics. Moving all courses from in-person to online in the middle of the semester was a challenge for everyone.
Like many of their peers, the College of Science ambassadors had to alter the way they approached their lessons and general daily routines.
College of Science ambassadors are student leaders within the LSU community. Representing each of the five departments, they are the faces of the college, giving tours of the campus to prospective students and assisting in orientation activities for incoming freshmen.
Hayden Tageant is a graduating senior in chemistry and a recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Junior Award. He says that, for him, consistency was key to his transition to the new learning environment.
Mary Margaret Sanford, a graduating senior in mathematics and secondary education, experienced remote learning both as a student and as a teacher.
Rory Escobedo is a junior majoring in geology. Her routine and keeping up with friends and family were crucial to her success with online learning.
These ambassadors are sharing their experiences in the face of a pandemic and online learning.
CoS: When classes resumed after spring break, things were very different. How have you been adjusting to this new remote learning environment?
Mary: I was actually a student teacher this semester, so it was very different to try and do it virtually. We have meetings in Google Classroom, and luckily, the students all have computers provided by the school, so we were able to reach most of the students. It has just been hard for me to not see them every day. I am sad I was not able to tell them goodbye. However, I am grateful that we are able to live in a time where the ease of communication allows me to visit with them through my computer.
Rory: When I got the news, I was in Florida visiting my family for their spring break. So I was very sad, and they told me the best plan was to not return to LSU and head back to Texas with them. At first this was a lot to take in, but once I accepted the new reality I became more comfortable with it. I have been trying to keep the same routine as I would in school, and still keep in contact with my friends from school constantly.
CoS: The school structure has definitely shifted. How did you stay on task with the new structure? Do you have any tips?
Hayden: I stayed on task by keeping to a schedule. Even though it had changed, I had everything planned as to when I would watch my lectures, study, and do assignments. By keeping to my schedule, it was easier to get all of my work done effectively and efficiently.
Rory: Since everything is online now I have started using the calendar on my computer. This gives me reminders about classes I might forget or assignments. I used to use my planner religiously during normal function, but this online calendar helped a lot.
CoS: Were there any classes that you had to get creative with because of remote learning?
Rory: My structural geology class is one class that I have been getting very creative with. We had a field trip schedule to Arkansas planned that was unfortunately canceled. I have been using a lot of Google Earth to help me visualize what I am seeing.
CoS: What are some study strategies that you’ve been using?
Hayden: I used to study with a group of people for all of my classes, so we used Zoom as our study group. We either worked on problems or went through the slides together.
Mary: I removed myself from any possible distractions. I tried to think about how I was able to study in high school and tried to recreate those situations on a college level. I have tried to make my bedroom as similar to the environment in the library as possible. I locked my bedroom door and let all of my family members know that I was studying and couldn’t talk unless it was something important. I then made sure I had plenty of caffeine and didn’t allow myself to leave my room unless I absolutely had to. Instead of listening to my music out loud on my computer, I played classical music in my headphones and this really helps me focus.
CoS: What are some positive things about remote learning, and what are some of the challenges?
Hayden: Some positives include being able to create my own schedule, enjoying a comfortable learning space, and easy access to snacks!
Some of the challenges were the lack of social interaction and movement. I missed my small conversations before or after class and being able to walk around campus. Another challenge was my lab course. We were working on our independent project, and we weren’t allowed on campus to use the instrumentation for our experiments. Fortunately we were able to remotely access our data, so there were some things to discuss.
Mary: I believe my positives and negatives of remote learning all stem from the same source, living at home again. It is difficult to stay as motivated at home as I was in my apartment in Baton Rouge. My parents were so happy that all of us were home that they were constantly planning things for us to do. I am grateful that they wanted to spend so much time with me and my siblings, but since I want to hang out with them, I had to remove myself to be able to get work done. It was also a blessing though because I didn’t have the same stressors back home that I had in Baton Rouge. I am able to focus on school for longer periods of time without worrying about the small things (it is always a positive when your mom offers to help out with laundry!).
CoS: Have there been any unexpected benefits of online learning for you? If so, what were they?
Hayden: One of the unexpected benefits of online learning for me has been more time. My extracurricular activities ended, and my jobs became less time consuming. Through this time I wanted to do something productive, so I have been able to hand write thank you notes for the LSU faculty and staff that made an impact on me either academically, professionally, or personally. I am very proud of my hard work, but I also want to acknowledge those who have encouraged me and allowed me to grow in so many different areas of my life.
Rory: I have gotten better at my writing skills. Now, if I am studying for one of my Geology tests, I couldn’t just peek into my professor or TA’s office to ask a question. I now have to be able to write an email that explains my question. This was something I did not think was going to happen, but it’s been a pleasant surprise!
CoS: Adapting to a new situation can be stressful. What are some things that you were able to do to relieve stress?
Hayden: After my longer days I would take a drive around campus. I have always enjoyed walking around campus, so it allowed me to get fresh air while relieving my stress. I also kept my blinds and windows open during the day, so I didn’t feel trapped inside. I continuously keep in touch with family, friends, and LSU faculty and staff. My LSU community has repeatedly reached out to me and has allowed me to reach out to them if I ever need anything.
Mary: I made sure that I got outside for at least an hour a day. By waking up early, I was able to finish schoolwork by midafternoon, and could spend the rest of the day doing other things to stay healthy. Because it was virtual learning, and I spent most of my day cooped up in my room, I made sure that I got outside. One of my projects was to spend an afternoon making an herb garden for my family when we cook. It was a great way to get some Vitamin D and pulling Camellia bushes out of the ground can release a lot of pent up energy.
Rory: I think following a routine every day and sticking to a schedule is beneficial. Getting up every day and going on a run with my dog, and starting off the day boosting those endorphins helped! I also have been watching a lot of TikTok videos…like a lot.
CoS: What did you do to make your space more comfortable for spending time inside?
Hayden: I started to frame more pictures. I had a few developed from LSU events, so I was able to see family and friends a small amount more.
Mary: I always made sure to have a blanket nearby and my dog around. I find both of those things to be very comforting, so especially when I was stressed about all of the work I had to get done, I would take a break and play with Amber for a few minutes or just sit on the couch with her and rest my mind.
Rory: One thing that I found hard was having to study in my high school study spots. I changed my desk to resemble my desk back at LSU and put up pictures of my college friends to remind me of them!
CoS: How did you connect with family and friends despite social distancing?
Hayden: I continue to talk to my family and friends through calls, FaceTimes, and social media applications. Technology allowed us to create some social interaction even though we are physically separated.
Mary: My friends and I set up Zoom hangout sessions and have tried to stay in touch through that. It was so important to have face-to-face conversations because it simulates actually being with people and definitely helps to feel less isolated.
Rory: I have been talking to my friends on FaceTime almost every night. This helps a lot, and feels like I am with them…kind of. I’ve been making a lot of friendship bracelets! I have made about fifty of them at this point and sent them to my friends, and I’ve also been making a lot of bread with my dad.