Every decision we make in life has good and bad to it. Online school has been no different. After being thrown into a virtual school year, students had to learn how to adjust to the new learning style. With one month under our belts, it is safe to say that students are still adjusting.

For many students, the virtual learning experience will never be as good as an in-person learning experience. It’s even caused some people to want to go back to an in person environment even more.

“Why wouldn’t you want to be in school?” senior Casey Brennan said. “I don’t learn as well or focus either. You miss those moments of seeing your friends in the hallway.”

The social environment of the crowded hallways in North Penn is something missed by all. The walk to your next class was always a good moment to catch up with someone or find a familiar face. Having those moments taken away can definitely lead to a sense of loneliness when there is no one around you for the majority of the day. However, students seem to be taking advantage of the hour break to be social.

“I like that we have more free time like the hour break. It can be used as a study period or go hang out with friends,” said junior Bella Koch.

The downtime sure does allow for students and teachers alike to make a coffee run or take a break and relax from the pressing school day, but being at home can often lead to more distractions.

“There are definitely a lot more distractions compared to the classroom,” said Koch. “In a classroom, there’s not much to catch your attention, but at home literally anything can.”

There are definitely a lot of students who would agree with this sentiment. Whether it is the loud TV from your parents in the background or just being able to freely get up at a moment’s notice, it has been harder to keep focused. However, online school has presented a couple of positives in the minds of some students, some even prefer online school now.

“As someone who would have to drive to school, I get to save a lot of time and money,” said Wszolek. “I would be waking up over an hour earlier and also be using a lot of gas money, so saving on that with online school has been good.”

The task of being able to understand teachers has been proven difficult in situations where slow Wifi or disconnecting from calls has occurred. Wszolek believes that clarification in a situation of attempting to understand something is much easier.

“I think I feel more comfortable asking questions. Maybe because I am in my own space or able to meet with the teacher one on one at any moment. I have just felt more confident,” Wszolek said.

In a time where many could be struggling with mental health and adjusting, a sign that some are having a growth in confidence is a big plus for all. Virtual school will continue until early November where many students will transition to a hybrid schedule if they chose that option. It is definitely an understatement to say that up until the moment of going back to school for learning, we will keep adjusting to virtual learning.