Illustration by Preston Randall

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to shift to working, learning and living life remotely, it was hard for some people to make the adjustment. Those who were normally used to being surrounded by other people needed to adjust to enjoying the company of just their pets and house plants.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of in-person meetings, handshakes, dinners and small talk sounds like every introvert’s dream. Come to find out, the sense of isolation accompanying the pandemic affected everyone — whether introverted or not — in similar ways.

Responses were collected from Kent State students via Google Forms. 

Isabella Kaufman, sophomore Early Childhood Education major

Tell us how you’ve been doing during this time of being remote. What have you been doing, how have you been feeling?

“At first, it was exciting. I was thrilled that I no longer had to leave my room to go to class. I think most people were. But now, I am really struggling. I’ve burnt out at the third week mark where I usually survive until at least halfway through the semester. Even as an introvert, I feel that I am lacking in human connection. I miss having like-minded people around me and being able to discuss things I’m interested in. I try and focus on different hobbies (playing guitar, writing, reading) but nothing sticks. It’s hard to focus during all of this. Definitely not the ideal environment for learning.”

Anything else you would like to tell us about being an introvert or your thoughts on being remote?

“I’ve never been much of a people person, but even this is too much for me. I love being alone but not for months at a time. Maybe I’m a phony introvert, but this can’t be good for anyone’s mental health. If there are other people out there thriving because of this, I definitely commend them. I wish I could pick their brains.”

Michael Snyder. Sophomore, French Major

Is there anything you miss about being in person?

“Yes, I miss pretty much everything. I miss the class dynamics, the conviviality of the classroom, the hands-on teaching and the ability to have discussions. The online classroom feels at times incredibly impersonal and is not conducive to the kind of learning I’ve become accustomed to.”

Anything else you’d like to tell us about being an introvert or your thoughts on being remote?

“My mom always said me and her were both extroverted introverts. We thrive with our friends but also cherish time alone. Being able to be alone as much as I want has been nice, but I miss the world outside my room incredibly.”

Jason Henriquez-Ayala, Freshman, Photography

Tell us how you’ve been doing during this time of being remote. What have you been doing, how have you been feeling?

“At first, things were normal. I would be in my room doing work and watching videos, but things just kept getting worse and worse. While I was never one to go outside, the option was always nice. Even though I didn’t go out with friends often, whenever I did, it was wonderful. Now being forced to stay inside, especially with those who don’t like it, makes things worse. Overall, I think I’ll spend more time outdoors.”

Sarita Kunde, senior Visual Communication Design major

Tell us how you’ve been doing during this time of being remote. What have you been doing, how have you been feeling?

“Being remote has been really hard for me academically. Doing remote learning and having to self teach a bit is difficult for me. I need the in-person interactions with my professors to understand the content and ask questions right away to better understand the content. But socially, it has been difficult as well but also a little relieving. I love going out and do miss that. But I feel more recharged staying home and being in my own space.”

Anything else you’d like to tell us about being an introvert or your thoughts on being remote?

“Being an introvert and remote should go hand in hand, but they actually don’t. People need some type of human interaction, no matter how much of an introvert you are, to live. Communicating with people is a part of life, especially in person. Not having that in-person social interaction harms people, because it decreases our communication skills to build relationships to get a job/do well in interviews, make new friends, professional connections, etc. ”