NewRoFoundation

Sophia Pak researched the effects of teens learning online as a result of educational mandates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her findings: Online schooling creates specific challenges for younger students.

Pak, a New Rochelle High School junior participating in the Science Research Program, did more than investigate the issue. She is doing her part to ease the burden by mentoring middle school and elementary school students.

“I’ve always worked with kids,’’ said Pak,16, a third-degree black belt who mentors young students at a martial arts school where she serves as head instructor.

Pak’s multi-tasking skills came in especially handy during her research.

“First, I did a lot of research on online schooling and the effects of the pandemic,’’ said Pak, in her second year in the science-research program. “Then I created my questions.’’

Her main conclusions: Teenagers both believed they would return to in-person school this year, and wanted to do so. Students seem to crave the face-to-face interaction of school.

Pak also found that males held a slight majority over females in believing that online school was easier than in-person studying, and younger teens – freshmen and sophomores – struggled more with online learning than juniors and seniors.

“I am in the middle of submitting my stuff now to one of the science fairs,’’ Pak said, eyeing the Tri-County Science and Research Fair.

Meanwhile, she is putting in full days of schoolwork, mentoring, martial arts and travel softball. She’ll soon add school softball to her schedule. She has been on New Rochelle’s varsity team since her freshman year.

Pak’s passion revolves around sports medicine and orthopedic research. Whatever she does, Pak will make sure she finds time to help others.

“I’ve always liked to keep myself busy,’’ she said.