PSFA Student Q&A: Hannah Park

1. How has your perspective on in-person learning changed since the pandemic began?

It made me appreciate the support system that students provide for each other. It is nice to not have to ask the professor every question you have. Having other students is better for learning, and it is just nice to be able to talk to people before and after class.

2. What did online learning teach you about your learning style and time management?

I learned that I work really well when I can focus my time on something I am struggling with. Online learning gave me the flexibility to be able to quickly glance over the topics I had a strong understanding of, but use that saved time to focus on areas I was struggling in. I also stayed very organized during online learning. It was very easy to let due dates come and go because of the monotony of COVID-19 life, so I kept an online planner that I would just leave open all the time to remind myself what was to come.

3. What is your favorite part about being on campus for classes?

I like having other students as resources for classes. I feel like with online learning, there was a big disconnect between the students. It was a lot harder to make study groups or ask a quick question at the end of class. Now that we are back on campus, it is much easier to interact with other students.

4. What has been the biggest challenge or adjustment you have experienced this fall?

The biggest challenge for me is remembering how long it takes to commute! I can’t just wake up 30 minutes before my first class anymore, or eat breakfast while listening to lecture. I walk to class so I need to set aside enough time for walking, getting ready, making breakfast, etc.

5. How are you setting yourself up for success this school year? What resources or techniques are you using?

I am trying to get ahead in as many classes as I can, to allow myself to take a little break in the middle of the semester if needed. I am also just trying to stay just as organized this semester.

6. What are the perks of your school schedule?

My classes are spaced out nicely. I have some classes in the morning, then I have a nice break for lunch, and then I finish off the day with some late afternoon classes.

7. What is your favorite place on campus?

I love the turtle pond! It is such a peaceful area and I love that you can just lay in the grass, hammock, or do homework right next to the water.

8. Do you have any faculty you would like to shout out for going above and beyond to make your online or in-person experience especially valuable?

I feel like a lot of zoom lectures were really boring and hard to pay attention to, but one class I always enjoyed going to was Severe Weather with Dr. Molly Costello. She is such a great professor and made the zoom environment enjoyable.

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.