Jake’s Blog: What it’s like to study during self-isolation
First and foremost, I hope you are all keeping safe and well at this time given the situation we are in.
I have been in isolation for close to four weeks now, due to my disability, Cerebral Palsy, if I was to contract the virus then it could have a big impact on my health, so with this is mind I took the decision to self-isolate. Shortly after I made this decision the whole country went into lockdown, so at least it wasn’t just me.
There has been one thing keeping me sane – the fact that I have still been able to continue my studies. When the lockdown restrictions were announced and the college was closed to most students, all teaching went to being delivered purely online through Microsoft Teams.
Personally I had a slight issue as my course requires me to use a Windows PC, whereas I only have a Mac at home. My lecturers Dan Purdy and John Terry were a great help in supporting me to find a solution, however I ended up having to apply for a DCP payment through the college bursary scheme, in order to get myself a Windows PC.
Thankfully the whole process was hassle free thanks to Lisa Miles – she pushed the application through which meant that the whole process, from completing the application to receiving the money and getting a new machine was all completed in just seven days, which given the current situation we are in right now is just fantastic.
All in all, thanks to technology, support from my lecturers and the college, COVID-19 hasn’t stopped me from learning. We’ve been using Teams to communicate as a class and my lecturers are always quick to respond to my queries.
I might have lost a few days here and there, but my recent experience proves that just because we are experiencing this madness it doesn’t mean our learning must suffer. All you have to do is reach out, the support is there for you.
I’ve found the best way to study and learn has been to get into a routine and stick to it. I also take regular breaks away from my desk.
Stay safe everyone – all we‘ve got to do is follow the government guidance because the more of us that do, the quicker we can get back to some sense of normality. Plus it’s summer soon, we all want to get out in the sun!
Cheers,
Jake