Write a moderate-length paragraph, 10 to 15 sentences, discussing what has been the greatest hindrance to your academic success as a student, especially in the era of COVID.

As a student, the greatest hindrance to my academic success in the era of COVID has been the lack of face-to-face interaction and engagement with instructors and classmates. The transition to online learning has affected my ability to actively participate in class discussions and ask questions in real-time. While virtual platforms attempt to replicate a classroom environment, it does not foster the same level of engagement and collaboration as physical classrooms. Besides, technological glitches and connectivity issues often disrupt the flow of lectures and discussions, causing frustration and hindering my ability to fully grasp the material. Additionally, the absence of in-person interactions with classmates has made it challenging to form study groups, exchange ideas, and gain different perspectives, which are valuable aspects of the learning process. The lack of a structured daily routine also poses a hindrance, as home-based distractions often impede my focus and productivity. The blurring of boundaries between personal and academic life due to online learning further adds to the difficulty of maintaining discipline and motivation. Overall, while online learning has provided a way to continue education during the pandemic, it has presented several challenges that have hindered my academic success.