During this pandemic it was a challenging time for students and parents alike, as they had to adjust to a new normal teaching at home and online. Often not reported, however, were the challenges that teachers had to face. This was more so for collegiate professors such as Dr. Michael Otaigbe, adjunct professor at Germanna Community College in Fredericksburg. Recently we interviewed Dr. Otaigbe to talk about how he was able to handle the change in teaching during the shutdown and what students should do to prepare as the colleges plan to reopen in August.

Dr. Otaigbe, thank you for joining us. For an incoming freshman, how should they prepare for the first day of school?

The preparations that students have to make today are not much different from their parents when they were going to college. Students who begin at a 4-year university, only 33% of them graduate. What happens is that they as time goes on the focus wanes, so they need to get disciplined early.

How can they do that?

By creating proper sleeping and eating habits. This will keep their minds sharp and helps them to learn must faster.

When should they get prepared?

It begins now. The students and their parents need to know what type of online system that the school uses, whether it’s Blackboard or Canvas, determine what it is and get acclimated to it prior to classes starting so they don’t fall behind.

How did you adjust (to teaching) during the shutdown?

I was a learning experience. I wasn’t sure how it would go. I was nervous when we did our first Zoom class. My students helped me, because I am an animated teacher, and I was vulnerable in reaching them from a distance. Sadly, not everyone succeeded. The minority students were not as successful as the white students. They didn’t have the right internet connection or outdated computers.

Should colleges provide computers?

If students do not have one, they should speak up. There are plenty of resources that their counselors can provide them. Don’t suffer in silence.

What can parents do to ensure their child is equipped?

Have them get used to programs during the summer so they can understand how to improve their skill set. There are wonderful programs out there such as Khan Academy in which students can study the type of courses that they will be taking in the Fall that are free. They need to see college as a preparatory for the real world.

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We are seeing students suffer under mass amounts of college debt. Is the importance of a degree still worth it?

I’m a little biased but yes. I raised all of my children to obtain their degrees before they turned 18. What parents should do is to find ways to reduce the cost, have their child go to community college. This will help the student to find their focus, which they sometimes don’t have in the beginning. Those who are generalists do not perform as well. It is important to declare a major when they first start college. Also, it is challenging enough to get used to the college environment; don’t overload yourself in the first year.

Is there any other advice you think would help them get success early?

I know this is going to be controversial but students, give you parents access to your academic records, for it helps you. At companies, they have a board of directors. Have one with your mom and dad. If you’re having trouble in a class, go to your board of directors, they will help you.

Also, to mom and dad, be a cheerleader for your child. Praise them when they do good. If you do that, they will be willing to give you news when it’s not so good.