As of April 20, Governor, Mike Dewine announced that all schools will be closed for the remainder of the year. Although this indicated the end of seniors’ high school careers, freshmen, sophomores and juniors must continue to push through the last month of school. This means now more than ever, students need to remain productive and motivated.
It can be easy to lose motivation considering there is no need to study for tests or get work done early.
“My motivation has gone down because I feel like it is easier to get good grades now,” Alexis S. ‘21 said.
But taking this time to really focus on schoolwork and keeping future plans in mind is important to maintain motivation. Additionally, students should ensure each day they are continuing to stay productive by completing their school assignments and finding other things to do besides lay in bed all day.
“I have always been motivated to stay busy because I like how it feels to accomplish things during the day. I learned a long time ago that you cannot wait on other people to make your situation better. If you are bored, find something to do. If you are lonely, face time a friend. I know what things make me happy and I find time to do them, without making excuses. The other way I stay motivated is by not complaining about the pandemic. I am trying to find the positives like spending more time with my family, playing more with my kids, reading a book, doing a puzzle, or just being outside,” Honors Algebra two teacher Allison S. said.
While it seems easiest to forget about school and do nothing every day, keeping students busy with something to do is a great way to maintain a healthy mental state.
Making a schedule or a to do list each day should help students to keep track of what needs to be done and may make each day feel closer to normal. For example, setting a goal to wake up early, workout, finish school work and still save time for an episode on Netflix or some time with family is an effective way to stay productive.
“I stay productive by staying on a schedule. I am juggling working from home with homeschooling my 2nd and 4th grade kids. We pretty much follow the same schedule during the week. It helps us stay focused during that time and gives us a sense of normalcy,” Shape said.
Likewise, working on time management now could help students be more prepared for their workload for classes next year.
Overall, continuing to have a positive mindset and having something to look forward to each day is the perfect way to spend quarantine. As long as everyone remains motivated and productive, students of all ages will come out of this quarantine stronger than ever.
“To maintain a positive mindset, my advice is do not let yourself complain. This will not last forever. We will go back to our busy lives of being in school all day, practice/games after school, and doing homework till midnight. When that happens you will wish you had a break. So, in the meantime, focus on the positives,” Shape said.