The Pursuit of Positivity in a World Gone Virtual: Gaps and Opportunities in the midst of a Pandemic

by Maggie Riddle | WeINSPIRE Reporter

For many of us, the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic has turned our whole lives upside down. Nationa Students, teachers and parents are still struggling to adapt to the abrupt switch to virtual learning as schools all over the country are forced to remain completely online. Nonetheless, they continue persevere, developing new ways to succeed and stay positive as they navigate through this virtual world. 

A national survey conducted by Education Week shows that teachers have high concerns about students falling behind in their classes especially, in vital core classes such as science, English and math. 

Poulomi Mitra and Mariam Saeed, Seniors at Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas have teamed up to help students succeed during this difficult transition by founding an affordable online tutoring platform called Escalate Education. 

Mitra shared, as students themselves, she and Saeed understand the struggles of online education and recognize that while at home, many students do not have access to proper resources to be successful in virtual classes. 

“Hey, while we’re stuck at home, let’s try to find a way to help out these kids,” Mitra said. 

Escalate Education tutor holds class with several eager students.

Amber Adams, a sixth-grade math teacher in Wilmington, North Carolina, said her students are struggling with online learning to the point where some of them have stopped attending class. 

According to Adams it is vital for students to be physically present in the classroom not only for their academic success but their mental well-being. Students need to be present in school to be physically active and to be socially interactive, said Adams.  

Adams said she has high standards for her students and sometimes, students learn better from their peers because there is a higher level of trust.

Adams said she stays positive because she knows she is setting an example for her students. She said she aims to create a safe space for her students so she can build relationships with them.

“If the students know you care about them they will move mountains for you,” Adams said.

Incorporating games, dancing and singing into her lessons is another way Adams said, she keeps her classes upbeat and her students smiling.

For Jessie Whitfield, mother of two, online schooling has brought a new normal. When they first made the transition to online classes, she said her daughter, a fourth grade elementary school student, struggled on a daily basis. 

Whitfield said her daughter is not receiving regular one-on-one assistance from her teacher and she fears as a result, she won’t continue progressing in her academics. 

According to Whitfield, her daughters have designated working space filled with all the necessary school supplies. As she too is working from home, she said they all need a brain break every now and then so they go for short walks outside to get fresh air. 

Whitfield said she and her girls keep a positive attitude by supporting each other when they need a boost and socializing with friends in their neighborhood. 

“We have a good network of school children in our neighborhood which helps and we’ve actually had some sleepovers to keep them in a positive spirit,” Whitfield said.

Jessie Whitfield’s second grader attending her first day of class via Zoom.

According to Mitra, their non-profit organization has only been around for about two months and is thriving; reaching almost 100 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade nationwide. She said They recognize that the pandemic has made it difficult for students to participate in extracurricular classes, so they offer a variety of options which include courses such as: choir, dance, engineering, art, and many more. 

Mitra said she is dedicated to serving students in need because they are her inspiration. According to Mitra, these young students are the next generation of leaders. She said during these times of uncertainty, she wants to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential in and out of the classroom. 

Now more than ever, students spend their days staring at screens, teachers are working effortlessly to ease the stress of struggling students, and parents are juggling full-time careers while supporting their children through online classes. Trying to navigate through this virtual world is tough but they carry on, finding new ways of learning and growing and work effortlessly to support one another along the way.