This semester has been wild and filled with its own unique challenges, making it closely resemble a drama-filled reality TV show. All the rough and challenging moments we’ve faced this semester would make it a perfect fit as a reality show like “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race.” If you’re not convinced, here are some of the ways this semester is like a reality show.

We’re in front of cameras all the time

With classes and assignments being online, UC Berkeley students are almost always sitting in front of a camera. Sometimes, classes might even ask for you to have it on. This means we’re a lot like reality show contestants, who are constantly filmed day and night. Our cameras may not always be filming us, but much like on reality shows, they are almost always on.

There are occasional challenges

Reality shows are known for their sometimes over-the-top challenges. Though entire episodes usually aren’t dedicated to these, at least small parts of them are. These challenges pit teams or individuals against each other to determine a winner, making them similar to midterms and homework assignments, especially if those are curved. Students compete against each other or the rubric to get good grades. In addition, the fact that classes don’t give tests all the time is similar to the fact that challenges don’t dominate entire episodes.

We’re stuck with a small group of people

A quirk of the social distancing that forced the semester online is that we are stuck with a small group of people. Whether it is our family or our roommates, chances are, they’re probably not moving out anytime soon. It’s a lot like how reality show casts are forced to live together for the duration of filming. It can cause drama on the show, and it may be causing tension in your life. Regardless, the social situation of a group of people living together in a small area applies to this semester’s social distancing situation and to reality TV shows.

There’s a reward at the end

Nearly all reality TV shows have some kind of prize at the end. The same goes for this semester. When all our classes are done, there’ll be a low-stress waiting game to see if you passed your courses. If you decide to receive letter grades, then it’ll be a wait to see what letter grades you got. Getting a grade you worked hard for and getting closer to that degree are the rewards for any semester, including this one. You can also count summer break as part of the prize, as that may be a chance to finally relax. Much like on a reality show, though, to get those rewards, you have to get through all the challenges.

Reality television can be a pleasant diversion from the stress of school, life and everything that’s going on right now. Maybe now that you know how similar this semester is to a reality TV show, it won’t seem so bad.