text: Predicaments arise when a person least expects them; they tend to be nonnegotiable, uncontrollable situations that students can not help. A few years ago, I had to travel to three funerals in one school year. This did not just cause me to miss many days of class; upon returning to school, I had to learn in an environment where I could not live up to my full potential due to my emotional strain. At home I would have been more comfortable because I could openly grieve without disturbing a classmate. Even though it seems logical to allow me to stay at home, I was forced to go to school in order to avoid falling behind. I did not fall behind, but I was not able to execute assignments to the best of my ability whereas at home I could have. With access to online assignments my scores on each task would have been improved because I would have been in the comfort of my home. Some people might argue that since I would still be grieving, my grades would have been no different. This is not true; the pressure of a public environment is not equivalent to being in a familiar, safe environment like an individual's room. Feelings of safety often affect student performance; some people are more comfortable at home. Therefore, the option of virtual learning should be offered to maximize the success of each student.