GRADUATE REFLECTIONS
2020 VISION ALEXA COOK ‘21 College
When asked to look back on 2020, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would want to do that. No one needs me to tell them that 2020 has been an unusual year. We’ve all heard it said enough to last a lifetime; the world took an unexpected turn. It is safe to say that when schools were shut in March of last year not many people could have predicted the battle we had ahead of us. As a chronic pessimist, it is challenging for me to not list off the many things that Rundle did an were lost to the COVID-19 pandemic, excellent job however, I will do my best to step out of my comfort zone and speak to the ensuring that the positives of this year. Not knowing mental well-being. This being said, it can switch was made as when we would be online or in-person be very hard to stay motivated during for classes this year was hard on all of easy as possible for times like these and having teachers the students and switching back and who genuinely care about their students students. forth between the two was potentially is worth more than words can say. the most difficult part. Rundle did an excellent job ensuring that the switch Personally, I believe that a good teacher was made as easy as possible for is someone who not only inspires students. Taking into account the challenges of working students to do better but is also willing to put time and on computer screens all day and the overwhelming effort into forming relationships with their students. stress that comes along with at-home learning, Rundle’s Empathy is one of the most important characteristics Excellence in Education Distance-Delivery System a teacher should possess. Being able to understand (REEDS) was put into place when certain circumstances when students are struggling, or accept the fact that made online learning a necessity. sometimes students can't get all 163 assigned homework questions done on time, or realize that sometimes The program cuts down on the length of classes as students won't feel up to interacting as much in class much as possible, while still ensuring there is adequate when they are having a hard day. When teachers are time to learn. REEDS also takes into account the fact willing to prioritize students’ mental well-being over that students need time away from their computer school work it creates acceptance while pushing the screens and makes certain there are breaks between students to work harder, and we are extremely fortunate classes for students to relax. Speaking from personal to have so many teachers that are willing to build these experience I can say with confidence, the adjusted kinds of relationships at Rundle. program made online learning far easier on students'
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2021 ASCENT MAGAZINE | RUNDLE COLLEGE SOCIETY ALUMNI
