Lemonade anyone?

 

By Jillian Viljoen

We all have different definitions of success. For some, it is to get a certain job, or to buy a fancy car (who doesn’t want to own a BMW, Mercedes or Ferrari?). For others, it is owning a home or opening a business. And for others, it is academic success; to complete that undergraduate degree and possibly pursue postgraduate studies to expand opportunities for employment. Granted, not everyone can afford tertiary education but the fortunate individuals excitedly go to campus every day, determined to complete their studies.

Recently, teaching and learning hit a bit of a snag; enter COVID-19. Teaching and learning changed from contact to online. This has been a bit of a challenge for some individuals for various reasons. Online learning means working on your own a lot. You are more heavily dependent on access to data and electronic resources. If you were used to going to the library for assistance and books, you now need to access those services remotely. Change is not easy but COVID-19 taught us that change is necessary for us to still continue to pursue our dreams. We just need to think about and do things differently to achieve our goals.

When life throws you lemons, you have one of two options. You can either walk around with a sour face or you can make lemonade. In reality, not everyone likes lemonade or knows how to make it. I like lemonade, a lot, especially the one sold at Woolworths. That lemonade is delicious.Metaphorically speaking, we can all make lemonade out of uncomfortable situations where change is necessary. It is not easy but we can ask for help.

At the library, access to online resources is at your fingertips. You can access the library’s catalogue and databases, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/, on any mobile device at anytime and anywhere, via the off-campus access, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/off-campus-access/. Librarians, https://library.ukzn.ac.za/contact-subject-librarians/, are available to assist you navigate your way through the electronic resources, via Zoom, Skype and email. Simply contact them to assist you to navigate the new normal of remote access to online resources. Your dream of academic success is attainable. You can still attain your goals.

There are your options. You do not have to travel this journey alone. You do not have to give up or give in. We have all been affected by COVID-19 and we will succeed if we work together. You can conquer online teaching and learning and anything else that you put your mind to.

So, are you going to walk around with a sour face or ask for help to make lemonade? The choice is yours.