These times have been really rough and challenging but we need to stick to it and as we go through the process make adjustments to be able to continue with our lives. Jean Marco Pou, a past student from The Ashton School, currently studying in Unibe, shares his experience on the pandemic during his last year of college, which we hope may help our seniors in some way. It has been hard, but not impossible to deal with.
- When you found out about the pandemic what were your thoughts regarding your work in school?
Jean Marco: My first thoughts were of surprise, as I never expected the transmission of COVID-19 to reach the level of danger that would warrant a quarantine. I was shocked at the speed with which the whole situation occurred. I never imagined that this virus could force us to change our lives and pause social interactions in such a dramatic way. This pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives and has forced drastic changes in our day to day interactions.
- How would you describe the process in which your classes are being carried out? Also, have you been affected personally and in the academic aspect, if yes, how so?
Jean Marco: All of my classes are being carried out online. The first few days of the quarantine were difficult to process, and posed a real challenge, but became easier as days passed. My academic performance was affected at first, as it took a while to get used to these new class formats, but it later became better. On a personal standpoint, I value in person learning and like asking questions, so this new reality forced a major adjustment.
- Do you think there has been a major difference between taking your classes/courses online and being physically present in the university?
Jean Marco: Yes, there is a huge difference. Online classes lack some of the ease and interaction that are essential to learning, they also introduce an unknown new dynamic for most of us. Physical presence in the university allows us to engage more freely with professors and fellow students, which provides a valuable element for our education. As for myself, I do appreciate the wealth of knowledge that can arise out of interactions with both professors and students, and that’s something we can’t easily acquire from online classes.
- What have been the most crucial challenges you have faced and the hardest part about them?
Jean Marco: The hardest part of the quarantine has been all the free time and the variation in the schedule, which has meant that I need to readjust my entire day. We tend to take our mental health for granted and do little to maintain it, but rapid and traumatic events like the ones we’re living through have a large impact. The daily news cycle can cause anxiety and stress, and we have to regulate our own mental health during these difficult times.
- I understand and know that in the darkest places/situations there is always a happy and good side. What have been some things you can actually say that you enjoy and like about this experience?
Jean Marco: Though the psychological toll from quarantine has been hard, the extra time has allowed me to work on personal projects and hobbies. Knowing that I am lucky enough to lack nothing, this quarantine has allowed me to work on long since delayed projects and neglected hobbies, while also trying to grow as an individual.
- How has your college closure been? Do you feel you are 100% ready to go out into the “real word”, get a job and carry on with your life?
Jean Marco: My college closure has been great. As a college student and future professional, I am very excited to see what the future holds, and ready to move ahead with my life. My college experience has taught me many important and valuable lessons about life, which will serve me well in the next stage of my life. One of these lessons is that responsibility is supremely important in achieving our goals and crafting the life we want to live. Our own lives are ours to live, so we have to take responsibility for creating the lives we want. This may seem very ethereal, but it is one the best lessons I have taken to heart.
- As you know, this year our Seniors, “Dicentia” are going to graduate, soon to be attending universities. They have been very worried and stressed, along with experiencing a mix of emotions regarding the pandemic and how it may affect their future. Do you have any comforting words or advice you would like to share with them to give them strength for what they are going to be facing?
Jean Marco: Life comes at you fast. There is nothing you can do but ride the wave and make the best of it. As a former student, my senior year was one of the most important ones of my life, and it is unfair that the seniors of Dicentia have had their year stolen by this pandemic. We can only look to the future and hope for better days, knowing that everything this pandemic has taken from us will be returned, and trust in a brighter future.
My take away from this story consists of some lessons/teachings. The first one; we as individuals have to look and fight for what we want in life in order to achieve it. The things we want the most are usually the hardest ones, which takes a lot of maturity and commitment to finally get. The second lesson/teaching is: as Jean Marco said, “at first it was very challenging but after a few days it was actually getting quite better.” With this I would like to say to not only the seniors but to everyone that is currently going through something quite challenging, “I promise it will get better no matter how impossible it looks and how hard the situation is at the moment. Just breathe, take things slowly, work for what you want to accomplish and trust the process.” Thank you once again Jean Marco for taking time from your busy schedule/time to respond to these questions. I am speaking not only for myself but on behalf of the Ashton community as well, “we are really proud of you.” As to the seniors, things will get better, we are extremely proud of everything you have done during all the years you were with us, we wish you the best of luck in your future.
English 
Español