Hi everyone! I am Shirley and I am currently in third year. In this difficult time, I would love to share what I enjoy most from hybrid teaching and what activities keep me going during the pandemic through this blog.
Hybrid teaching is a mixture of online lectures and tutorials as well as some in-person practical classes on campus. My favourite aspects about practical classes are learning all the different clinical skills and being able to practice them over and over again – for example, placing an IV cannula, taking blood samples from a cephalic vein or jugular vein and bandaging the limb of a dog. I realise that online learning gives me more time to prepare for my practical classes and the online resources provided allow me to learn more.
With the increased amount of screen time, it is important for me to take time away from the screens. Here are some activities I enjoy doing to help me balance my school life and personal life.
1) I find myself really enjoying grocery shopping! It is very exciting to go online to look for different recipes and plan my meals ahead. Although not all my meal plans are followed through, it is still exciting to think of food that I can have the next day. Going out for grocery is also relaxing as I get to walk around and reward myself with snacks and ice cream!
2) With the amount of time spent at home, it is important to explore and discover different hobbies. During this time, I have learnt how to play the Ukulele to some of my favourite songs (Fireflies, Castle on the Hill and Happier). Singing, especially when no one is listening to me, is the most therapeutic and stress relieving activity I have found so far.
3) To strive for balance, I take time to relax throughout the day after attending lectures. I enjoy watching movies, TV shows and YouTube. I also love taking power naps to give me the energy to study.
4) As I love sports and exercises, I work out (following different YouTube workouts) during the week and hike on the weekends. Since coming back to university in January, I have finally hiked up Arthur’s Seat and Blackford Hill for the first time! Getting some fresh air and exercising are well needed and refreshing.
We all have our good and bad days during this pandemic, but I hope you will be able to find moments of joy in your everyday life!
