1 day to 2 years

     The day was March 12, 2020, Thursday. I can still remember that day vividly. I woke up feeling great and went through my usual routine. I took a bath, donned my well-ironed uniform, and quickly ate my breakfast. All these while my big brother was sleeping soundly, not worrying about waking up early for class. When I was about to go to school, he blurted out, “Prepare your things, we’re going home. Classes will be suspended. Dad and mom called last night.” I was at lost. There was no typhoon in March and it was still Thursday. I just followed my big brother’s instructions as we hurriedly packed our things in the dormitory, then quickly boarded the bus. When we arrived home, the news is everywhere – closures, checkpoints, office work and classes suspension, and the restrictions that followed. Who would have known that the 1-day restriction will be extended for more than 2 years? That day marked the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic for me. 

     The COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone’s lives and our way of living – everyone, worldwide. As a student, I needed to adjust to the biggest change, specifically the way I continued our learning modality, from-face-to-face (F-2-F) to modular/virtual/distance learning. We didn’t even know the word F-2-F existed before. Before, when we say classes, it means inside the classroom. Now, we know the terms online classes and virtual learning. All these things were happening fast, and everything was a blur. Suddenly, our problem already included sharing internet with my dad’s company internet. And then the next month, my dad was already applying for the fastest internet available in the market. 

     At first, coping up with the modular distance learning was hard. We only shared one desktop in the house. The internet was limited. The modules were coming in with limited instructions, just “answer items #2, 3, 7, and 15.” The next instructions were deadlines for submission, who can go to school to submit, and schedules for the next modules. With these changes, I was able to slowly cope with the new learning routine. First, I needed to set-up my own learning space, just like my dad setting up his own office and meeting space. With the tons of modules coming in, I needed to sort deadlines, prioritize module completion, and phasing of time allotted for learning, rest, and play. This has been my routine for the next 2 years of DLP. It was very stressing at first. The pressure of self-learning is unending. The difficulty was tripled. Of course, I was used to consulting and paying attention to my teachers who know the topics best. Now, I must do all of these on my own.

     I am very thankful that my parents were very supportive while I adjusted to these changes. My dad bought us individual laptops that we can use. Though 2nd hand, the laptop he gave me was very useful and handy. He also made sure the internet connection was reliable. Even at added cost, these really helped us cope up with the stress we were encountering. My mom was also hands-on and always available to lend a helping hand to us three (my big brother, me, and my youngest brother), guiding us and serving as our tutor, teacher, and mom all at the same time. My dad and mom shared tasks for us. My dad is very good at essays and, discussions, and giving ideas. My mom is very good on math, creative designs, arts, and projects. They really blended well and helped our virtual classes more bearable and fun. 

     In the end, the distance learning program will not be successful without the support system provided by our teachers, our parents, and my siblings. They were very instrumental in my adjustments to the “new normal,” as we say. As a personal note, I realized that we could adapt well to any challenges and changes that may come our way with the right mindset and attitude. Of course, this is not possible without the support system from my family. 

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