Rocky Road, by Emma Liu

 

Rocky Road

by: Emma Liu 

The classroom fills with students as teachers greet them with bright and cheery smiles. With students returning to school from over a year of remote learning, September of 2021 is finally bringing back some sense of much-needed normalcy. Yet amidst rebuilding the friendly school environment, one thing still seems to be lost. Socialization.

As a young student puts it, “after virtual learning, I find it hard talking to others without the conversation drifting off and dying out.”

In school hallways, this student crams through the crowd as he tries to get to his next class. Suddenly, he feels a light tap on the shoulder from a friend. Turning, he waves hello and uncomfortably stands there, unsure of how to start a conversation. As silence takes over, his friend shifts awkwardly before continuing on in the hallway.

Alarmingly, 8 out of the 10 other students surveyed felt that they also had or experienced similar struggles. Many educators also agreed that after virtual learning, students were less likely to socialize during free periods such as lunch or recess.

With the stifling smell of burnt grease and spoiled milk filling the air, students hurriedly head to the cafeteria with their lunchboxes swinging beside them. Grabbing a table, some students immediately sit and begin eating. However, for most, a seat at lunch is stressful and requires socialization skills that many have lost after quarantine. In fact, 70% of schools nationwide report that there has been an increase in students choosing not to eat lunch in the cafeteria due to overwhelming anxiety, which has been a huge concern for both parents and teachers.

“When I head to a class or lunch and see someone I know, I’m unable to have a full conversation with them without it becoming stiff and empty,” says a student in seventh grade. “Now, I generally just avoid making social interactions.” 

After being deprived of the chance to spend time with and talk to others, the road ahead is rocky for many students. Though with encouragement and the help of others, we can all work towards smoothing out unease and worry. What things can students do to better communicate with others? In what ways can parents and educators encourage conversation? How can we work together to create a more positive space for socialization?