Anxious or worried?
Published: 6 April 2023
Some students expressed that they were feeling anxious or worried about attending a field course. This was their first field experience due to Covid-19 restrictions.
While working as a Student Support Officer for GES I was contacted by several students who were expressing that they were feeling anxious or worried about attending a field course during their year. This was their first field experience due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Some, but not all, of these students, had been diagnosed with mental health issues and/or neurodiversity. I made sure students were engaged with the mental health support team who were looking after their wellbeing.
To cope with the time away, I encouraged students to take their headphones, iPad, guitars, and books. Others had planned to use the time to focus on cooking, as this was their hobby. These items or activities allow students to cave out time and space in which they feel comfortable in, which can be helpful in the field. It's also an opportunity to bond with other students over a shared interest.
All the students who I met went on their field course. They all stayed for the full week and despite some challenges, all were in high praise of the field course and how it left them feeling empowered, confident and able.
On reflection, the students all reported that they felt the field course had been beneficial to them. They felt more at home, having taken their 'items' with them. This allowed them to make new friends, gaining confidence and feeling that they were able to contribute to the fieldwork. One student said that this was 'The toughest but best thing I have done', and another that 'It wasn’t easy. I didn’t want to go. I loved it'.
First published: 6 April 2023