I’m stepping a bit out of my comfort zone with this one.

I don’t often like to discuss how I’m feeling with people, most of the time it’s irrelevant, or even I myself don’t care. But, I feel talking about why this year in particular has been rough for me might actually help me get down to the bottom of…. a very persistent and annoying issue. I can’t seem to focus no matter what I do, and I need to fix it so that I can finish strong this year.

On any other year – heck – last year might’ve been my best – I could always focus in our building as in – inside NNHS. I used every scrap, every second, to get my work done, in class, during lunch, in the entire hour I had every morning because my bus just arrived that early. As miserable as getting to school at 6:42-ish in the morning was, I could always be productive somehow. Some may call it cramming in work or procrastination, but I call it productivity. The case this year, however, is different. Whenever I get off of zoom, weather class ended early or just when it was scheduled to, I just throw in the towel. As much as I’d like to sit there and crank out my work like an exemplary student, I go off and do completely and utterly mindless tasks that waste my time and accomplish nothing.

Its not that the school day has gotten longer – its actually gotten shorter by almost 2 hours with an asynchronous day on Monday. The workload hasn’t changed – about 2, sometimes 3, hours of work to do per night (1 if I’m lucky), but absolutely 0 – that I’ve done – so far this year.

So is there a reason? Or are all the teachers right about the dreaded ‘Senoritis’?

As it turns out, I might not be alone, as a quick google search presented me with a seemingly reputable article of EXACTLY why this might be happening.

Understood.org, my site of choice, is a site composed of members who have kids of their own that require alternative learning methods, and they have come up with an article about why exactly e-learning could present some issues.

I think I want to set up a hammock in my backyard to do school in. That would be cool. Don’t know how long it would last, we’ve only had a little bit of good weather this week, then it’ll be back to crap. Might be internet issues too. Research required. 

There’s 8 points and a lot of explaining, so I’ll pick just a few and save myself and anyone else some time

1. Lack of Schedule – While there is a calendar for each week of school, from day to day and week to week, our zooms last different times, and the method of teaching frequently changes to accommodate E Learning. Lack of schedule, for some like myself, tends to lead the mind away from a ‘here and now’ mindset – anytime or no time at all may be for the work at hand.
2. Distractions – They’re all around us at home. Home is where we do the things we enjoy doing. No offense Mrs. Trowbridge – but school doesn’t make my top 50 list out of the 30 total things I probably do here.
3. The In-person aspect – teachers and friends are amazing resources, both for help and keeping you in check. With E – Learning, you’re left to your own devices. Another thing that’s not my strong suit.
4. Not Enough Sleep – …..
5. No Change In Scenery – No doubt, a bell ring, some leg stretching, some bathroom using, and some new rooming is a chance for your mind to reset, clear, and focus on what’s coming next.

650 words already? I thought this whole blogging thing would be miserable because I don’t usually go and talk on a whim, but here we are. Wait, Colin, didn’t you do blog # 2? …Oh yeah…. why am I writing this blog?…. Oh yeah…. 

So what do I need to – focus – on in order to improve my focus? The answer seems pretty clear. ‘Attend’ school from 7:35 to 1:30 each day. Weather that’s in zoom or not, use the hour and a half to build a structure, and develop a ‘here and now mindset’.

Get somewhere where distractions are minimalized. I tried my room at the beginning of the year, but my internet there cause me to disconnect multiple times, so right now I’m in the living room. That hammock idea in the back yard seems really appealing. Maybe the basement if that doesn’t work.

Mix it up. In passing periods, get something to drink, do a quick exercise, possibly socialize a bit. Keep things fresh, and don’t give yourself a mindwash by staying put for 6 hours.

My next blog may not be about this topic, but I’d definitely like to follow up in it, and at least report my findings.

Come to think of it, the basement would be a good winter idea….

Until next time

– Mentori (Colin Cain)