“I think that if you’re remote it’s important to schedule your time well. When I was here on campus, my day was very structured, and it was clear when I should be doing what. When you’re remote you only have to go to classes, and the rest of the day is yours. So I think it’s important to schedule time for you to do work but also to take time for yourself. If you’re only working or only playing, you’re not getting much done and might damage your mental health.”

Jerry Zhu ‘23, a 4th former at The Hill School, is one of the many international students affected by the travel bans between the United States and China. Because of the current circumstances, Zhu is still at his home in Beijing. 

Zhu’s schedule varies day-to-day, but it starts off like any in-person student, waking up around 9 a.m. and getting ready for the day. Unlike other students, however, Zhu begins his school day doing his homework before watching the recordings of the classes he missed the previous day. After attending two-thirds of his classes, he goes to bed at midnight.

One of the upsides of his current situation is being able to spend more time with his family. In addition,  Zhu has also been reconnecting with some of his friends from his old school in Beijing. Though this comes with the price that he can’t be with his Hill friends, Zhu continues to look at the positives.

It can be difficult at times being a remote student. However, managing daily schedules and focusing in class will be beneficial in the long run. Zhu is planning to return to school sometime in March. Until then he will continue to work hard and have high spirits.