The coronavirus outbreak put an abrupt end to the school year for many high school and college students. Widespread school closures in an attempt to slow the rapid transmission of COVID-19 have pushed many students into online classes, leading some people to nickname this “the lost school year.” Though nobody knows when things might return to normal, it’s entirely likely you’ll have to complete the spring semester in self-quarantine. Here are some tips to make that feel more attainable.

1. Give Yourself Time to Mourn

You might find yourself missing your classmates and feeling sad about some of the school milestones you haven’t been able to experience, especially if you were due to graduate this spring as a member of the class of 2020. Student-athletes have had to sit out on spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Across the nation, senior trips and other rites of passage have been indefinitely postponed as the virus upends our lives. The first thing you should do is accept that any grief you’re feeling is normal. We’ve never encountered anything quite like this moment in time before, and there may be times when that collective loss feels like a heavy burden. If you need time and space to step away and process your emotions, allow yourself to do so.

2. Plan Your Time Wisely

If you’ve never participated in independent study projects before, you might be tempted to procrastinate on your assignments, especially if your days now lack the structure of reporting to some classes at specific times. If you can, try to keep your schedule approximately the same as it was before your school canceled classes. It’s best to stay on top of projects and try to complete them ahead of time, just in case you encounter a roadblock or need additional feedback from the teacher.

3. Take Your Schoolwork Seriously

Students new to remote work often fail to take it as seriously as they would treat in-classroom instruction. Don’t make the mistake of getting distracted with the options that surround you at home. If your teacher has sent you articles to read or a lecture to listen to, now is not your chance to try watching a movie and doing those activities at the same time. You should also set clear boundaries with your family members, roommates or anyone else who shares a living space with you. Tell them when you have blocked off time in your day for your schoolwork, and be consistent with those hours.

4. Be a Good Communicator

If you’re struggling to complete assignments remotely and find you frequently need help or clarification from your teacher, don’t be embarrassed to reach out and let them know. In doing so, you’ll reassure them about your commitment to learning the material.

Learning Lessons From a Global Pandemic

Though nothing about this spring has been typical, you can still take solace in the fact that we are all undergoing these uniquely trying times together. At Spearhead Lodge, we are here to help young adult men struggling with substance abuse disorders and dual diagnosis, even in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Call us to learn more about our unique life skills curriculum.