College: Online Vs Offline
2 Years of online college and 1 month back offline showed me the massive differences of the two lives academically, socially and in terms of career.
Academics (classes), both offline and online were same in terms of value add for me. The value add was 0. It's not that the professors or bad, or the environment isn't supportive, but listening to class became almost impossible after 2 years online, my focus levels can't keep up for 5 hours straight. There's just no point in trying.
Relationships though was a different ball game online and offline. Initial online days, I was there in plenty of meets, discord VCs, always upto date with everything, but by the second year, things dwindled done to almost nothing fast. I barely talked to my friends, that too only when required.
Offline is the winner in terms of relationships. I spent so much quality time with my friends, juniors, seniors, that've helped in solidifying life-long bonds that I'd be forever grateful for. I only realized what I missed after I went back to college offline. Have offline relationships, please.
My career achievements though are completely credited to the online sems. Online = no classes.
That gave me time to work on myself. I hustled hard, joined communities, built products, applied to internships, engaged with people, wrote articles and more. I've found my career because of online college. I reached a point where I don't need college placements, I've figured this shit on my own. This only happed because I had the time to explore my interests over attending classes and doing assignments that I don't really care about.
There's really no winner. The sweet spot is offline college with online classes.
But ofcourse, that'll always be an unrealized dream.
What'd you prefer?