Page 29 - Keys To Community College Success

examine anything connected to your name. How can you control your digital footprint
so that it ref ects positively on you? Use tight privacy settings, avoid potentially damag-
ing posts or photo sharing, and strive to be respectful and polite whenever you post
something on the web or social media. Remember that your digital footprint shows
your judgment, which potential employers will look at when considering whether to
hire you and entrust you with responsibility.

Benefits of Online Learning

Despite its challenges, learning in the online space has def nite benef ts. Consider the
following:
■ Schedule f exibility – For asynchronous courses, you can work anytime you want
as long as you turn assignments in when they are due.
■ Location f exibility – Class can happen anywhere you have a device and internet
service.

■ More participation – When everyone is required to respond, students encounter
more ideas and perspectives through other students’ thoughts and questions.
■ Increased variety – New presentation and interaction modes may boost interest
and motivation.
■ Different ways to connect with instructors and students – Video conferencing,
LMS messaging, discussion boards, and other chat options broaden the ways you
can interact.

YOUR RESILIENCE WILL HELP YOU
persist and adapt

As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded around the world, essential workers
have sprung into action, many risking their own health. Faculty have adjusted to teach
online classes as displaced students have managed their disappointment of missing
classmates, graduations, and internships. Parents are managing jobs or unemployment
while trying to keep kids motivated. Local and state governments are in high gear as
they work around the clock. Like these individuals, you are resilient, and your resilience
will help you persist and learn.

Resilience is def ned as “the capacity to recover from diff culties,” and the def nition of
persistence is “continuing in a course of action in spite of diff culty or opposition.” In
this time of diff culty, you are continuing in a pivotal course of action—pursuing an
education. You will encounter challenges from the personal to the worldwide. Resilience
will help you move through challenges, learn from them, and increase your skill and
wisdom over time.
When crisis leaves people feeling lost or confused, they often look for anchors. As you
move through your college experience, consider these ways to anchor yourself through
the ups and downs:

■ Anchor in help: If you or a loved one is struggling with despair, get help or en-
courage them to get help. Seeking help shows exceptional strength, not weakness.
■ Anchor in faith: If it serves you to turn to a religion or spiritual tradition, draw on
that in ways that you f nd meaningful. Anchor to what inspires you beyond your
human limitations.

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