The Catalyst / Photo courtesy of Sophia Soliman
Sophia Soliman, a junior at Mercy High School in Burlingame
Sophia Soliman, junior at Mercy High School, Burlingame
Since many schools have closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, many high school students are going to school online in what is called distance learning. Some of them communicate with their teachers via email or websites, like gClassroom and Schoology. Others participate in online classrooms via video conferencing apps, like Google Hangouts and Zoom. The Catalyst interviewed Sophia Soliman, a junior at Mercy High School in Burlingame, about her experiences going to school online
The Catalyst (TC): What’s a typical day of school like for you?
Sophia Soliman (SS): I wake up usually ten minutes before class starts. I set up Zoom on my phone and then I use my iPad to do my school work in my dining room. I pretty much do the same as regular school in the convenience of my own home.
TC: How are you coping with social distancing and keeping in touch with your friends?
SS: I have been drawing and doing art a lot more since I have more free time to myself. I have been keeping in touch with my friends through Facetime. I wish I could see my friends and family members in person, instead of through a screen. I feel like I’m using my electronics too much.
TC: Do you prefer online school or do you miss going to campus?
SS: I miss going to Mercy. Even though it is convenient staying home, I miss having face-to-face intercations with my friends. I feel like you’re not making as many memories when you are at home through a screen, instead of having that personal connection when you’re sitting right next to the person.
