As the 2020-2021 school year crept up on all, many anticipated the effects of the new policy changes in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Day to day lives tweaked in order to comply with guidelines and new regulations. Therefore, routines in either ordeal hold different perspectives on how to get through a school day safely.

“Not only do I make sure I have my band stuff with me in the morning, I am sure to have my masks plus extras,” sophomore Ben Lovelace said. “I also go throughout my day diligently putting on hand sanitizer.”

However, the routine of a student online is dissimilar from that of an on-campus student. Some would say, it is far simpler given the freedom behind online learning that students are able to adjust and create their own schedule to benefit them.

“I could roll out of bed five minutes before school starts and still make it on time or I could wake up a little earlier to put on some makeup to look presentable,” sophomore Ruby Landa said. “Either way, I could do anything in a small span of time but still make it to school.”

Along with the difference in routines, the experience of being either learner is significantly different, and students hold mixed opinions on which format is better.

“I like being on campus so I can ask my teacher questions much easier,” Lovelace said. “It’s harder for me to get distracted. I don’t really mind the safety measures; it feels like everything is the same as before.”

On the contrary, being an online learner is beneficial to some who had trouble managing their time years prior as they are able to create their own schedules now.

“There’s a lot more to get out of doing online than I thought,” junior Chris Amaya said. “Sleep and scheduling is way better to manage without the hassle of waking up super early to catch the bus and get all my stuff ready to leave on time, as well as not worrying about hustling to get to my classes on time.”

With either side of learning, some think there is still more to fix in order to accommodate all students. For the on-campus system, large groups are reported to be an issue.

“They say to social distance in the hallways, but if that were to actually happen, a majority of people would be late to classes but A plus for trying,” sophomore Gabi Rios said.

Online students also experience difficulties. Not being able to readily access communication from teachers initiates problems for students working remotely. Attaining help while being online requires the student to wait a little longer in contrast to someone who is in person and can acquire help from teachers instantly.

“The only thing I don’t really like about online learning is that the school prioritizes students going in person more,” Landa said. “If a student online typically needs something, they have to wait a bit more.”

While campuses welcomed students back in with open arms and homes turned into classrooms, some still search for the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Klein Oak does feel like how I left it back in March, but my at-school experience has been different from what I have been used to,” sophomore Kevin Georgetown said. “I try to stay optimistic through the barriers.”