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Students And Fears For The Future After Covid-19

Now that students are beginning to return to school, college and university, nothing is as it seems. What once was a classroom full of students studying for their GCSEs or a library full of third years who are completing their dissertation is now a space where you have to keep your distance from one another and learn, study and complete assignments in the comfort of your own home.Not only can this current situation be challenging when trying to concentrate in a place that was once a sanctuary, but it also boasts many questions like 'when will normality return?, 'will I get to finish university as I started?' or 'what if I fail because of my current circumstances?'. Because of these questions, students can be left fearsome of what lies ahead.Continue reading this article for a more in-depth look into the fears of a post-pandemic world for students, and for advice on how to overcome this dread. I will be focusing on all types of students, how it could be hard to adjust for those individuals and how I recommend staying positive.

Secondary School Students

When in secondary school, this can be some of the most critical and daunting years of your life. You're trying to figure out your career path, as well as go through the motions of saying goodbye to your friends who have decided not to attend sixth form. With this in mind, COVID-19 on top can mean that the education system has been significantly modified, and it can also mean that some exams have been cancelled.Students' next steps have been put on hold, their exams could be postponed or worse, cancelled and now they're only attending school a couple of times a week, if at all. This doesn't mean that you, as a student, has to let this affect your future. Yes, it may drag the next stages of your education out, but as long as you're continuously studying, maybe even learning new qualifications online and always preparing yourself for what's to come, when the time does finally arise, you will be fully ready. Your future of higher education will not be dampened by this circumstance; it's all about having patience because once COVID-19 has been controlled, sixth form, college and university will begin to see normality.

Sixth Form/College Students

It's a similar situation for sixth form and college students. Not only are they looking to move onto even higher education such as University, but some students at this stage will be looking to start their career. Exams at this point are more important than ever; students will need to gain a specific grade in order to get the right UCAS points.If these have been postponed or cancelled, students will have to hold off on their plans, even if University's open up again come September. This can set students back and make them lose focus. In terms of going straight into employment, businesses may be less likely to advertise for new employment right now, especially if money is tight and most employees are on furlough or the company isn't running at all at this moment in time.For certain trades, this won't be the case. However, college students still need to attain specific grades to move onto their career. For these students, I recommend that you continue studying and learning while at home. Some college courses do not require exams, which is very much an advantage for you at this point. If you're looking to move onto employment, and into an area that is always looking for new employees, then you must continue to study.Hopefully, college lecturers will support you to carry out all assignments and exams online. If you want to go to University, the rush isn't as prominent for you. If universities do begin to resume their usual systems, it is better to be prepared, but the last thing you want is to pressurise yourself when there are other worries on the horizon too.

University Students

If you're in University, you have been sent home to do your assignments, while also attending virtual lectures. This can be very demotivating, especially if you require further support from a professor who is supervising your dissertation process, for instance. This is such an important stage of your higher education; after graduation, you're hoping to get your foot into the door of an industry that you've been dreaming of for the last three years.If you're not being given the right support and guidance, make sure that you contact tutors and make them aware of this issue. Although it's going to be challenging, a lot of universities have gone entirely virtual; meaning all lectures and seminars, as well as exams, are carried out online.Because of this, although it's not ideal and as easy, you will be able to gain your qualification in your area of study and move on into your career. If you're in your first year, however, this has been a crucial time for you because you were learning your independence while also getting to grips with your course.However, normality will return, and it'll most likely be during your university experience. Because of this, continue doing your best at passing your first year, with all of the support on offer to you and then use the rest of your university education to get to where you want to be.

How I Can Help

No matter your situation, students and their fears of the future is relevant right now. But by continuing on the right path, your education doesn't have to be turned upside down. If you'd like further guidance on how to manage your emotions and thoughts, while also maintaining good grades, a counsellor can help you.As a professional counsellor in the North West, I understand the struggle and pressure that may be on you to do well. But like everyone, this current climate is hard to adjust to, especially as it's so unfamiliar to us. With my help, we can work towards gaining confidence in these areas so that you can continue your education to the best of your ability. Contact me today on 07914952723 or through my email on therapy@liddycarver.co.uk if you'd like to enquire about my services or for my advice.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]