Going back to school after a year of not is something I–and I do not think anyone else–expected.

On Wednesday, April 14, I and my fellow classmates went back to school for the first time in a long time. For most, it was unfamiliar and “weird.” For others, it was a surreal and amazing experience.

For some few, the thought of going back to school is terrifying, so they chose not to go.

In my mind, I was on the fence whether I liked it or not; nothing could really prepare me for the experience that I had. Anxiety filled my head at a constant rate throughout the day. In fact, when I got home, I needed a nap due to the sheer amount of emotional energy I used that day.

Walking class to class, seeing people in real life, having to be present. It was all so different than I was used to. The night before what was basically the “first day of school,” I could not sleep. I tossed and turned all night, as many did. Was I nervous, excited? I could not tell. I had spent weeks picking out an outfit for the special day, knowing I could not just wear my pajamas.

Lots of people have asked me for a recommendation on what they should do: stay home or come in-person. Weighing the pros and cons was especially helpful in the decision-making process. For example, if you choose in-person, you only go 2-3 times a week, get social interaction, and have a better learning experience in general. On the other hand, it can be really draining both physically and emotionally, but, if I were to recommend one, it would definitely be in-person because…

I’ll tell you why. When you take the pros, they outweigh the cons, so when you are making that decision, keep those things in mind,