By Jan Vicente ‘JV’ B. Pekas
A couple months from now, vacation would come for us students. A sweet relief that will free us from the chains of modules. And a burst of energy seemingly coming from nowhere will flow through us once again. This time, energizing us for a vacation. Despite the pandemic still going on, a child’s glimmering eyes can still be seen around this season of summer. Even a decade later, such anticipation would still make the blood boil from excitement. Sleepless nights just before the big day still exists for young people my age.
But, it’s not as if we are not deserving of such expensive events. Getting through an entire year of school, while still in a pandemic is by no means an easy feat. The factors which make this statement so true lies beyond the difficult subjects.
At the start of the pandemic, I truly underestimated what isolation can truly do to the mind. The halting of classes did give me relief. But, as time went on, I eventually felt trapped. I never thought I would dread the sight of the inside of our house, a place where we are meant to be at ease. Nevertheless, I was eventually able to go out. See the city, finally meet again with people other than family.
And as time went on, the students were finally able to meet in an actual classroom. Mingle with classmates and learn in a fitting environment.
Now, after keeping at it, learning in isolation for almost 2 years, we can almost taste it. For most, their children moving up a grade deserves a special occasion.
The process was grinding. Going through modules after modules can be stressful in its own way. Although, for the parents of graduating students, perhaps an even more special event awaits them. Putting your child through high school is already amazing in itself. But, helping them get through school while in the pandemic is a feat deserving of many praises.
Though many projects and quizzes still block us on our way, getting through that finish line is something we all intend to do. Still, for some of us, should we get through the end zone, another bump lies in front of our way. After all, students still undecided on courses to take in college are one too many. The pressure of deadlines certainly does not help in the matter. Even college students telling me to choose carefully only adds to that pressure.
Although, there was one advice that has stuck with me ever since. No courses in college are easy, better to choose what you love, than force yourself into one. With college students around me, I can see that it is an entirely different beast than high school.
So, if we are going to suffer soon, why not just suffer doing what we love? To learn in a course that can make our eyes glimmer again like those of a child. To light the curiosity we had once as naïve little children. And just as I had learned from a movie, as we focus on our passions, success would definitely follow.**
