Updated: Jun 8, 2020

Jacob Mocholi Garcia: "I try to expose myself to as much media as I can, both Chinese and international. Being able to compare media reports from different countries is an enriching way of grasping a situation such as the current one."

By JACOB MOCHOLI GARCIA

Global Business Journalism Reporter

I have been home for a month. On the plane back to Spain, I was thinking and hoping that everything would be solved in a few weeks. However, March has come and I have not been able to return to campus yet.

Thousands of Tsinghua students are facing the same challenge right now. The ones that remain on campus are dealing with the situation in an admirable way. The vast majority of us are home, making our best to keep up with the lectures and courses’ workload.

Having to attend class from home is a disadvantage for those who enjoy the “university environment” and the interaction with the professors and the rest of the students. Still, both the teaching team and the students are striving to make the most of online lectures and minimize the possible cons. That is why everything is working really well so far.

I am quite impressed by the way the university has handled the situation. They have been able to create a comprehensive learning system in a couple of weeks. And the results are not bad at all. Conversely, we are taking advantage of the digital tools that are now within our reach.

Also, I have been able to have a first-hand understanding of the evolution of the coronavirus in Spain. I try to expose myself to as much media as I can, both Chinese and international. Being able to compare media reports from different countries is an enriching way of grasping a situation such as the current one.

It is true that the current situation is really difficult. We are in a state of emergency in Spain, so we must remain at home. Our government has made mistakes, but people are more united than ever. Every night at 10 p.m., we open our windows or go out on the balcony. And we clap our hands. We are thanking medical staff, police and each of the workers out there who are risking their lives for us. We stand as a strong country!

Even though I am home, I have tried to stick with my routine. I attend classes, do homework, practice sports, “hang out” with my friends via online, and so on. All my friends, both Chinese and from other countries, are doing the same. Although the situation is difficult, we remain strong and determined. I hope that everything will be back to normal soon, and we will be able to share amazing times.

In the meanwhile, we will continue striving to be creative and learn more. It is the only way we can fight a situation such as the current one.

Jacob and friends at Tsinghua