Coronavirus has brought many challenges to people across the world. It has impacted many things that nobody could control including physical and mental health, financial and social problems as well as a mass of other issues. From hands-on learning to online education, the transition was an abrupt and difficult adjustment; we were forced to find unique ways to learn the knowledge, skills and techniques of physical therapy through a computer screen. Luckily, parents, children, siblings, partners, roommates and pets all substituted in for the practice of skills to help enhance our hands-on learning at home. Although it was not the ideal educational environment and brought unique challenges to our student body, my class at Virginia Commonwealth University stayed positive and supported one another through this uncertain time. We did this through a few ways: 

 

What is better than showing off your pet? During quarantine, many of my classmates got new puppies. It was a joy to be able to share our pets over Zoom during our lecture breaks. During a lab for our pediatrics class this semester, we were learning about constraint therapy and were tasked with setting up a treatment session. Subbing in an 8-year-old golden retriever for a 6-month-old baby seemed like the perfect alternative and elicited a few laughs.

 

Since we can’t socialize in person, or go nearly anywhere for that matter, virtual hangouts are what helps everyone stay connected. A member of our class–known for notoriously tasty chocolate chip cookies–set up an occasional Zoom cooking class to safely spend time with each other while also providing a fun activity for everyone in quarantine. 

 

Normally, our class has a celebration to mark the end of the semester: a pool party, potluck, get-together at a brewery, relaxing by the river, and more. However, due to coronavirus, we had to think of an alternative to celebrate the accomplishment of finishing second year. A virtual happy hour was the best we could do. It not only allowed us to catch up with friends but also reflect on the semester that we completed. 

 

Lastly, the professors have been understanding and pivotal in getting us through this time. They recognize the challenge that it has been for us to learn remotely and have continued to support and check in on us. If you logged onto class early, most likely you would be able to interact with a professor as others started to join. I often did this as it was important to check-in on them as well. We were all new to this learning platform, so it was difficult for everyone involved. 

 

These virtual hints of positivity made me realize the impact of human connection. The remote learning environment has been a challenge for students and professors alike, so supporting one another and shedding light onto the situation is what has gotten us through. We have helped make this a positive experience and something that will never be forgotten. The value of human connection is something often taken for granted, but this period of quarantine has taught us to appreciate it more than ever. 

 

Paxton Helmer, SPT 
Chair, APTA Virginia SSIG 
Virginia Commonwealth University Class of 2021