Hi friends! As I navigate life during this pandemic, I think I’ve learned how to become more creative in my responses to unanticipated circumstances, especially as it relates to my time as a graduate student at Stan State.

I originally was no fan of distance learning. I did not want to continue with school until in-person instruction resumed. I didn’t think I had the ability to be patient and flexible enough to endure online instruction for a semester, and now a full school year. However, now that it has been almost 2 months, I have to admit that I, for myself, am enjoying distance learning!

What do I enjoy about distance learning? Well, starting class within a few minutes of waking up is pretty nice I do have to admit! Before I would wake up hours before class started just to get myself ready in every way. Now, I am able to sleep in longer and wake up less stressed about getting to school on-time.

Another aspect of my experience with distance learning has been helping my relatives make the transition to online learning as well. I am the only person in my family to have a BA, and soon a master’s. By virtue of being the first, I’ve become the go-to support figure for many of relatives (aunts and uncles), who don’t speak English, are unfamiliar with technology, and have young children who depend on them to guide them through the process of distance learning.

I take this responsibility with much pride and fulfillment. For the last few weeks, I’ve been helping my relatives get their young children set up for the day. This includes setting up their laptops and making sure the space they’re in is suitable for distance learning, which can be difficult but we make it work. I observe my younger cousins “in class” to make sure they are understanding what is being said and what to do. I also engage with my relatives’ teachers in this new learning process and translate whenever needed. I do all this while making sure I am on top of my own distance learning responsibilities. This is definitely not what I expected my own time with distance learning to be like, but it is simply how it’s manifested and I am grateful I can use my privileges to help my family not tread behind during these times.

For many first-generation students, this is our reality. We’re dealing with online/distance learning on our own, while making sure those around us are also keeping up with their learning. Once this is “over” I am sure we’ll come out of it feeling like whole new people because in many ways, we will be. Well, time to make it to my next zoom class! 🙂