Since the pandemic began, each interaction I have with others has begun with a countless set of questions: how are you using your extra time? What new skills have you acquired? With the expectation to spend your time learning a new language, jogging and organizing your room, the media’s message is clear: lockdown must be utilized for projects. However, you don’t actually need to be productive right now.
Instead of putting pressure on students to fill up their extra time with college level courses or an abundance of new activities, it is essential to be extra kind and empathetic right now. Students are grappling with extreme uncertainty and should be met with compassion rather than judgement about how effectively they have been using their time.