Coronavirus and its harrowing pandemic have caused a resurgence and appreciation in virtual learning.

As universities and other educational institutions begin reopening, more students are choosing to stay online.

At Northern Essex Community College, with a student body of 5,233, approximately one-fifth of the population is enrolled in online courses.

The rise of virtually enrolled students is no coincidence; before the reopening of NECC, students were exclusively online throughout the pandemic.

Now, with the choice of in-person and online, more students are choosing to remain virtual.

Nicole Sabando, a second-year transfer student ofNECC, said “My parents are older than most people’s parents my age. Plus, they are immuno-compromised, I can’t risk their health. We’re vaccinated but that does not mean we can’tget [coronavirus]. Online is just the best way to go for the sake of my health and theirs.”

The risk of testing positive still remains a threat to many people’s health, and online is a safe option fort hose who cannot chance being exposed.

Although NECC has a mask mandate, Sabando says “I appreciate the precautions, but I also appreciate having the choice of how I get my education.”

Alternatively, Christian Furtado, second year student of NECC, says “I work two full-time jobs. I do not really have the time to sit in a classroom for however many hours a day. I want my degree, but I also need to be able to pay for it.”

The pandemic has posed a national threat to financial security — this includes students. With COVID unemployment benefits ending this year, students who collected unemployment are now headed back to work.

Furtado added “Online learning allows me to make my own schedule and manage my time how I want to. It’s a lot of responsibility [being online] but it’s what works best for me. The pandemic hit us like a truck, so now it’s back to work and back to school.”

Online learning has become a tool for Furtado; he gets to work long hours and get his work done.