LIFE

Days begin meshing together when you spend the first half of them staring at a laptop, sitting alone in your bedroom. If you feel you've fallen into an endless routine of boredom, you're not alone. No one said online school would be easy. But look how far you've come—only two months until summer! Now is the perfect time to leave our uninteresting days behind us and start making the most out of our final months on Zoom. Don't know where to start? Keep reading!

1. Organize a class dress-up day 

In the comfort of our own bedrooms, we often find ourselves wearing the same outfit to online school—a hoodie and sweatpants. (And honestly, who can blame us?) Whether you realize it or not, spending all day in your pajamas reduces productivity and makes all days feel similar. Schedule a day with some friends or even your whole class where everyone dresses in formal wear or fun costumes. Getting ready will give you the confidence that comes along with looking cute and the day will be more memorable because you *actually* got dressed. Time for a collective before-and-after transformation. 

2. Eat lunch with your friends on FaceTime 

We're positive everyone can agree that one of the best parts of in-person school is lunch. Eating lunch with your friends, sharing stories and making each other laugh is a major highlight of everyone's day. While we may not be able to gather in a cafeteria, you can still use your designated lunch time to hop on a FaceTime call with friends and eat lunch together. Catch up, play games or watch your favorite TV show together. You'll get some much-needed human interaction in and have a great time with great company. 

3. Make new friends before the end of the year

We know, we know. It's extra hard to make friends when everyone just sits in their bedrooms, miles apart, with their cameras off and mics muted. But it's more than likely that you're not the only one in your class looking for a friend to talk to. We suggest making a class group chat and finding a study partner or forming a study group. You'll not only meet new people to help you with your schoolwork, but you'll also gain friends to send TikToks too and laugh with about your teacher *still* having tech issues. 

4. Talk to your teachers 

Forming connections with teachers is an essential part of the high school experience. In virtual school, it's easy to feel disconnected from your teachers—especially if they don't hold many Zoom calls. Try turning on your camera and unmuting when you come to class to say "hello" or "good morning". After class, stay to ask questions about the lesson, or just tell them how much you enjoyed it. If that feels intimidating, feel free to shoot them an email! Not only will they appreciate it, but you'll form a new bond with your teacher that will make you enjoy learning more. 

5. Plan some after-school activities

Unfortunately, as in-person schools remain closed, so do opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and key high school moments. While we can't recover the loss of club meetings, try outs, school dances and sports games, we can still make the most out of our free time. Try taking a walk with your family or practicing your favorite hobbie by yourself or with a friend each day. Spending time in the sun is a surefire way to boost your mood after being inside all day. If you're in a club, host virtual club meetings or just set up a time to chat as a group. It's important to give yourself downtime in your day so it doesn't feel like you're doing work 24/7.

We know virtual school has been tough, but you've got this. Finish the year off strong and return to in-person learning with all kinds of stories and memories to laugh about with your friends. 

Struggling to keep your energy up to finish out the year? Here's how to reset your motivation.

All GIFs via Giphy, Slider: @juliakcrist/Instagram

by Abigail Adams and Isabella Albaig | 4/16/2021