Author: Merilee McDougal
It’s BRUTAL, they’re resilient AND could use a hand
COVID-19 is no fun - it's scary, and unsettling. It is killing people, crippling nations, and bringing me to my knees. Anyone with kids ‘schooling’ from home knows, COVID-19 makes being a student ROUGH
It has been difficult to stay productive at home and having fully online classes just isn't the same as in person classes.
I find myself more relaxed which can be dangerous since doing school from home can (often) result in missed deadlines
I used to complete my work at the library. Ever since campus was shut down, I had to learn to stay productive at home where there are many distractions.
I’m the kind of student who likes to ask my professors questions and build a relationship with them. It’s hard to do that online.
With their living situations & jobs also impacted, college students have it especially rough
I lost my job. I had to move from SF back down to southern California with my parents. I lost an internship, and now it feels like no one is hiring
A full half of my students have been laid off and are actively looking for work; many have had to move home. One even reported having to close out each of the locations they had helped open - and then get laid off themselves once it’s done!
With their culminating experiences handicapped and cancelled, college seniors have it even more rough
The entire school year has been cancelled and moved online.Yet we are still paying full tuition and for "resources" that we can not even use.
Our graduation will most likely be cancelled and if it is, it feels as if 4 years of hard work is not being validated in the way I want.
Despite this all, they remain shockingly balanced - even optimistic
Though COVID has negatively impacted the world and others around me, it has given me the opportunity of time.
On the bright side, being quarantined allowed me to spend much more time with my loved ones. I also really enjoy the peacefulness on the roads and anywhere I go outside
I used to complete my work at the library. Ever since campus was shut down, I had to learn to stay productive at home where there are many distractions. I’m the kind of student who likes to ask my professors questions and build a relationship with them. It’s hard to do that online.
I feel as though I've gotten more opportunities in terms of my future career during COVID. I think because everyone is virtual it makes it easier to connect with people since everyone is constantly online anyway
They are developing new skills
It has helped with my discipline as it is up to me to open this computer and get all of my work done on time.
I have to be able to solve problems without help from a direct supervisor
We have to deep clean every hour. Because of this, I need to be better about time management and running my shifts efficiently.
And preparing for more online
Instead of having resources on the outside world - networking events, interactions with friends - I need to entirely rely on the virtual world.
Everything is now online so I will have to learn how to interview and work remotely.
How can you help?! Offer your empathy, your mentorship and job leads! Just 6 months ago, it appeared that our seniors would graduate into an economic and jobs ‘boon’! Now they are facing uncertain prospects - many are unable to seek hands-on experience from internships and projects.
So next time your friend’s son or neighbor’s daughter reaches out to you to ask about your industry - schedule a ‘zoom coffee chat’. If you have business challenges that could be served via enthusiasm and proactivity, create an internship! Know of any entry level positions in your company, post them with my friends at The Job Shop (or send them my way!)