School leavers and graduates coping with change
• Eight students talk about studying this year, their difficulties in cramped, noisy homes and their paradoxical sense of isolation.
• 8 位學生跟我們分享他們這年的學習生活以 及當中遇到的問題，例如在家學習時受嘈 音影響以及他們未能上學的孤單感。
• The majority did not like learning online, a few found it worked well and a couple discovered the ability to think more independently.
• 他們大部分都不喜歡網上學習，但有部分 覺得學習進度良好以及鍛鍊了獨立思考的 能力。
• Some had good results and feel lucky to be at university but others feel disappointed and frustrated about belonging to the class of 2020.
• 他們有些學習成績較好，順利升讀心儀大 學，但有部分表示失望以及不想於 2020 年 畢業。
Jeremy, 18, prepared for exams in cramped conditions but still had good results and is now at university overseas.
At home, I have no desk and have to work with a phone too small for Zoom while writing my notes on the floor. Libraries and study rooms were shut. Schools opened for limited periods and only those of us in need went there. At least I slept better and could eat more healthily because I could cook for myself but my family constantly played loud music or watched movies and I learned more slowly. I think my grades suffered. It is harder to discipline myself when trying to learn online. There is no interaction and I really miss the motivation classmates and teachers provide. There is no real atmosphere without them and all of us lost the chance to create memories of each other. But I’m glad that I did well enough for a good UK university to accept me to do my chosen degree although in the first year everything will be online.
Cheryl, 17, had difficulty with online learning, took a low-paid job and postponed university.
I had to study in the living room to get a good WiFi connection but I could not concentrate. It was crowded and noisy at home and I definitely learned more slowly. In a real classroom I have more energy and can concentrate. I’m glad that some teachers recorded their lessons and we could replay them later. I relied much more on social media for contact than usual and really missed hanging out with friends. At least I saw more of my parents but I worried about getting infected when taking exams and passing it on at home. When the exams were delayed, I felt let down. I couldn’t do as well as expected and have been very worried about unemployment. My plan was to start studying abroad in February but now it has all been delayed and I've found a job. Luckily, I saw poster in a shop window and the owner hired me. Others are not so lucky. I think the government should offer them financial support.
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