The Covid-19 pandemic has not been smooth sailing for Bachelor of Social Science (Behavioural Studies) student Rachelle, but she wasn’t going to let a bad situation get the best of her.
Like many others across the state, Rachelle’s business was shut down during the peak of the pandemic. Not knowing when work would resume, she decided to keep productive during lockdown with a new challenge: online study.
The thought of assignments and exams online made me nervous, however once I started my first unit those unnerving feelings soon subsided and I was excited to be actively learning as a part of the Swinburne Online community.
Things don’t always go to plan during a global pandemic, as Rachelle’s peaceful home study was soon interrupted by the news of mandatory home schooling. With her three kids spending all of their time at home, Rachelle organised herself accordingly by moving her study times to the early morning so that she would be available to help out with school if required.
Just a few weeks later, Rachelle’s mother sadly lost her battle with lung cancer. Although she wanted to finish up all of her assignments on time, Rachelle took some time off to organise and attend her mum’s farewell and applied for extensions on her remaining assignments and tests.
Since the start of her learning journey and throughout the challenging year of 2020, Rachelle has greatly appreciated the uplifting support of the eLearning Advisors she has encountered so far. At the time of her mother’s passing, she felt immensely relieved that her eLAs were understanding and compassionate, giving her the time that she needed to grieve.
Overall, Rachelle found the flexibility and support of Swinburne Online encouraging, and she felt she could push on with her course no matter what came her way.
Having gone through this experience… I knew I wanted to continue with my studies and could do so at my own pace.
Studying online gives you the flexibility to work around whatever life throws at you. If you are interested in taking on a new challenge like Rachelle, view our range of online courses today.
If you are also a current student who has battled studying during the pandemic, share your story with us.
