BEE-ING SUCCESSFUL IN ONLINE

Ethan Hong | ’20-’21 Director of Kiwanis & Member Relations

What’s up, Whitney! Can you believe that summer has come to an end? (Where has the time gone?) School is back in session, and although it can’t be in-person, Whitney’s Virtual Academy is running to start the new school year. I hope everyone is getting well accustomed to online learning, and I wish you all a good school year!

With that being said, let us reminisce on an event we held this summer: the Back to School Social. This was a joint social event held on August 1 with Oxford Academy and Savanna High School. This was a great opportunity for Whitney attendees to socialize with members outside of our home club. Personally, it was good to talk to friends I have not seen in a while and meet new faces. I had the pleasure of playing games such as Where is Waldo?, skribbl.io, and Spyfall. These games were quite fun, and I was glad I decided to attend the social. It shined a light in my day when most of my days were dim. It gave me a chance to see friends and socialize with new ones.

However, the event was not only for socializing. Attendees also participated in UNICEF’s Math for Good Challenge, where we answered simple math questions to raise money to help millions of children get an education and out of poverty. In the short time frame I was given, I was able to raise $83 to support children’s education. The activity was engaging, as some of us competed to see how much we could raise in the given time. It also educated me by reminding me that basic education is still not universal, and our generation needs to work hard to change this fact.

As we are starting school once more, I want to remind you all that education is not something to take for granted. Many children around the world can not get an education like ours, with causes such as war, poverty, discrimination, and more. Although we feel sad because we cannot sit with friends during lunch or jump around in the hallways between periods, we should still feel thankful for having the opportunity to learn, when others are unable to.

Emily Thang | ’20-’21 Secretary

Alas, summer has passed and the time has finally come; it’s back to school season—only this time, it’s online! Although school may seem drastically different than last year, we can still take steps to set ourselves up for success and remain adaptive to the evolving circumstances. After all, it’s up to you to take initiative, make the most out of your school year, and aim to succeed, regardless of all the challenges you may face due to the pandemic. Here are some tips and tricks to help you navigate through the uncharted territories of online learning this year:

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Set aside a comfortable, distraction-free work space. By designating an environment for school (no matter how small), you can boost your productivity and ensure that you eliminate any and all distractions, including your phone and loud noises. If possible, whenever you are about to engage in class or homework, give your family a heads-up, and communicate that you are working and need to concentrate. This space is YOURS to customize, arrange, and organize as you feel fit, so make sure that this space motivates you to learn and work, rather than the opposite. Organization is key. Now that school is online, your house is essentially school; with that, be sure that you are able to easily access any assignments, notes, and textbooks without having to go on a scavenger hunt for it around your house. This could mean keeping your desk neat and tidy, compiling physical folders containing your work, or assembling a Google Drive dedicated to a specific class. Whatever the method, simply strive to be organized, responsible, and conscientious at all times. Use planners, calendars, and to-do lists. These resources will help you keep track of the many assignments and due dates in your life, and overall, make your life much easier, especially given the increased independence during online learning. Apps such as Google Calendar have the option to set “reminders,” which alert you at a desired time and date in order to remind you to complete a particular task. It can be helpful to map out a schedule of your goals and what you want to accomplish every week, so that you can stay motivated and hold yourself accountable. Stay updated and keep in touch with your teacher and classmates. Especially since we are online this year, communication is absolutely critical in ensuring there are no misunderstandings regarding coursework and deadlines. Check Google Classroom regularly, be aware of any changes, and take advantage of office hours. Additionally, creating group chats for class can be beneficial. As always, don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out to your teacher whenever needed. Set alarms and limit screen time, if necessary. Since we will be learning from the comfort of our homes this year, it’s likely that there are a number of distractions in your house—including technology. In order to maximize productivity and allocate time for device-free work, you may find it helpful to set alarms for your work sessions, then reward yourself afterwards. For example, you could do schoolwork for a 2-hour block, then take a break and listen to your favorite music. If you find yourself spending too much time on your phone or getting attached to a certain app, you can go to your settings and limit your screen time. Another helpful tip is to turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode on your phone to silence any notifications, calls, and texts (excluding alarms)! Be punctual and take online learning seriously. Though the format of schooling has changed, the curriculum and level of rigor in your classes largely remains the same. This means you should carry through with your usual, effective study routines and work just as hard as you would under “normal" circumstances.

Online learning can definitely be daunting and difficult at times, but it is vital that you stay focused and determined when it comes to your work habits. Of course, don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way; in the long run, your health and well-being is more important than a couple of letter grades on a piece of paper. You got this!