Hello hello!
Welcome back to another post. We have two weeks left of term 1, so final exams and papers are imminent. Before jumping in to my post today, I wanted to share some fall@Wellesley photos Katie sent me the other day. I can almost feel the crisp air and hear the crunch of leaves on the ground. Over here in California, it’s still hot and dry (Santa Ana winds anyone?). I’m in denial about the lack of seasons so I stocked up on Trader Joe’s fall themed foods to get me through.
Look at that sky!
A view of Shafer from the South
In today’s post, I thought I’d talk a little bit about what it’s like as a remote student. I’m going to be honest, the first few weeks of term 1 were a bit rough. Maybe it was the new 7 week term system, or the sheer amount of work thrown at me, but I felt really disconnected from Wellesley at the beginning of this year. Balancing internship work on top of academics was a new challenge for me too.
On top of that, I only saw my peers in Zoom class: no joyful and spontaneous interactions passing friends while walking to class from Beebe to Founders. I think I quickly realized Zoom fatigue was real, and that something was going to have to change.
One reason Wellesley is so special is because of our amazing professors. I remember when I took Research Methods during sophomore year, my professor shared an important sentiment with our class: “Never worry alone.” I’ve started to think about that quote again, especially while feeling siloed from Wellesley as a remote student. There were some times early in the term when I was struggling with my statistics course, exacerbated by the fact that I wasn’t on campus or didn’t know many people in the class. I remember thinking of the quote and realizing things needed to change. It was no use struggling alone. I soon joined a (virtual) study group, began to attend office hours and helproom regularly, and slowly felt myself adjusting and stabilizing. Even as a senior, I needed a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help.
Talking with my fellow classmates and learning together (albeit through Zoom) helped me feel connected again. Even bonding with them outside of class through our study group was a much needed relief. We got through statistics together, helped each other out when confused, and goofed off when we needed a break from our long problem sets on R. I’m convinced that Wellesley is the place it is because of the wonderful people, and it’s reassuring to me that being off campus can’t take that away.
Although it’s come with some challenges, the support of my professors and peers has been unrivaled this term. I’m also lucky to have amazing parents who listen to me complain when needed with zero judgement.
I’ll end with something that’s been on my mind lately: MAKE SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE! The election is in a month.
Happy October,
Shreya