School and Hobbies: Quarantine Edition

1.

10/20/20

So far the high school I attend, Boston Latin School, is already doing a way better job with virtual learning. To understand how they’re doing better, you need to know what they did wrong last time.

Last school year, when schools suddenly closed, a lot of homework was optional. People didn’t have to turn their cameras on, and a lot of classes and class time were cut down. Now, while I know a lot of people would like this because they could potentially earn better grades and stress less, I didn’t. No one having their camera on combined with optional homework and cut classes led to me being very unmotivated. Yes, while I did get a good grade, I didn’t learn anything, nor did I enjoy getting that good grade. It didn’t feel like I deserved it and it didn’t feel like anyone cared, including myself. 

Although last year was terrible, this year is already looking much better. Classes are longer, everyone must have their cameras on, and homework is no longer optional. I am actually understanding and learning the material now rather than when I didn’t understand anything. Yes, while it is more stressful, I still would prefer the tradeoff. It’s way more similar to the way school used to work and it gives me that feeling of home.

Hopefully school can continue to improve and eventually get to the point where we can start going in person again.

2.

10/25/20

As I’m sure you may have heard, the PS5 and the iPhone 12 are coming out or may have already come out by the time you’re reading this. For me, I am really excited about the release of these new pieces of technology.

I have always been a loyal PlayStation customer. Although I love my PS4, I want to make the upgrade to the PS5. It is a product that I’ve been using weekly for years, and an upgrade would be nice. I think quarantine has given everyone a sense of wanting to reward and treat themselves with some of the new technology that’s been coming out recently. 

As for the iPhone 12, I just don’t think it’s worth it. Although 5G is available on the iPhone 12 now, most people in America don’t even have 5G yet. For me, personally, there haven’t been enough changes for me to make the upgrade, so I’ll wait for next year’s iPhone to make an upgrade from my iPhone 8.

Overall, this new school year has brought a lot of new technology. I think Americans can use this feeling of “treating” themselves during the depressing times of a pandemic. The pandemic won’t end soon, so might as well make the most of it while we can!