Fondest memory during the community quarantine

Tolledo, Ronald T. JD-1B

I always smile – a lot. But the events of late have so weighed on me and so many people that I almost
forgot to laugh. Having been isolated for more than 2 months now is certainly an unheard of experience
for me.

As far as I could remember, I have always been surrounded by people. This is a good thing. In fact, the
darkest days of my life were those times when the people I loved to be with were suddenly gone. I have
no care in the world as long as I’m in a community of my closest friends. It is just so life-affirming.

I have always thought that this is somehow both a blessing and a curse. Being in a constant atmosphere
of fun, love and support has filled me with so much fond memories. On the other hand, I also feel that I
missed a lot of opportunities to grow as an individual. I am probably in a state of what experts say as
“living in a culture of fragmentation” which means I am demanding autonomy and individuality but at
the same time screaming for meaningful connections. To me this is a paradox. But if I were to choose
between being isolated that forces me to focus on myself, I would certainly choose to be with the
people I love.

Hence, those short moments of video calls and chats were my fondest memories during this quarantine.
It is just not healthy for me to not be in a constant intimacy with others. This is the way I was hard-
wired. I do not want to lose this ability to be intimate with others.

By intimacy, I do not mean I am being intimate with everyone. I have been there and it is not healthy for
me. Those short calls were with the closest people in my life. They are my inner circle and they are very
few. I love them and I am certain that I will catch a bullet for them in the same way that they will lay
down their lives for me.

These relationships keep me going and I continue to grow as an individual as I share my life with them.
Of course there were frustrations especially when they are not there when you felt you needed them
the most. But they cannot always be with me nor I can always be by their side. I understand now that as
long as there is that concern for each other and mutual forgiveness of each of the others’ shortcomings,
the sometimes irrational anger and frustration vanish. Being committed to a relationship is certainly not
for the weak in mind and heart.

I always smile – a lot. The most memorable laughters were with those shared with people that my heart
calls home.

As one of my friends said during one of our group calls, “One day, we will look back at this season of
frustration and disappointment and laugh a laughter that delights the heart of God.”
The thing, activity or person I took for granted but now miss a lot

Dear Tap Water,

I vow never to take you for granted again.

I could have easily replaced you for Toilet Paper but I was never really fond of it as much as I am fond of
you. In this time of crisis, you have spared me from being a tribute, going to the grocery store and
waiting in line as if it is the end of the world like the people in the West. Would you believe that Toilet
Paper there has become a celebrity overnight? Some people have even lost their humanity fighting over
you. Yes, it was crazy. Thankfully, I don't have to stoop to that level in order to get you. And that is why I
am writing you this letter. One benefit of this pandemic is that I get to reflect on your impact in my life.

I remember that time when I was a young boy and had to visit the restroom of our school. I never
wanted to go there because you know how its smell chokes you and sticks to your clothes. I was
asthmatic and it was like the Death March for me every time nature calls at school. The boy's restroom
smells as if it's one of the branches of hell itself! But I had to go or face the mockery of my classmates
that will surely scar and haunt me for life. So, I went. I sat. I conquered! I realized now that the victory
would have never been attained if not for you.  I promise never take you for granted again.

Thankfully, I have learned to do my business at home before going to school. But whether at school or at
home you were there, waiting and always ready to pour out your cleansing power. I pity you now having
to be assigned in that odious restroom but such was your calling and you have been terrific at doing
your duty. You were always present whenever I need you that I have become blinded to your greatness.
I was a fool for not acknowledging you back then.

How about that time when I was at Jollibee at five o'clock in the morning and the insides of my guts
were like nuclear weapons waiting to explode? Again I went, sat and conquered without much
opposition because of you! You have spared me of using my worn-out but dependable socks because
Toilet Paper was not even there! Even if Toilet Paper was there, I would never have felt the same clean
feeling that I felt whenever I, sorry for the selfish language, use you.

All these years you have always been, surely almost all of the time, available and accessible whenever I
need you. You have been a faithful and quiet witness of my agonies and successes. I have never said
"thanked you" enough and for that I am so sorry.

I am also glad that it was you that many in my culture has chosen you to be the honored guest in the
most private and intimate moments of our lives. How entitled I am to be unthankful! It is true,
familiarity does breed contempt! But this coronavirus has changed me a lot. I appreciate you now like I
have never appreciated anything or anyone before. You are in my prayers and I am grateful for all that
you have done.

Forever in your debt,

Ronald
What I expect law school is going to be like
Tolledo, Ronald T. JD-1B

I am a strategist – or at least I think I am one. When I am really on to something, I obsess about it and
will not stop until I am relatively satisfied.

Should law school pushes this year, I would prefer of it will still be done in-person as I thrive better in an
actual classroom environment than anywhere else. But it is just me. I could probably survive online
classes but I am worried that I will find myself half-baked at the end of the day.

The study of law itself is inspiring but sitting with actual teachers makes the difference sometimes.
There are these kinds of teachers in UC. Somehow, online platforms minimize what could have been a
greater impact on the lives of students.

It is true that online education is the future. You can access the lessons anytime and anywhere. I am
sure it will lead to some success depending on the quality of the content and the dedication of the
learner. I am assuming here of course that we have the infrastructures should we go that route.

So, content and dedication. Creating great contents really depends on the preparation and delivery of
the teacher. If there is a budget for the technicalities this should not be a problem. Key here of course is
the teachers own dedication in putting out great lessons consistently.

It is on the learners end where it gets a little bit tricky. There are many factors that could get in the way
of optimal learning. foremost is how to recreate the classroom environment virtually or at least
approximate it.

The threat of COVID-19 is real. It is literally a matter of life and death. But so is the study of law. Life and
law are both essentials. A passion for both would always find a way when the scenario is bleak. I hope
and pray that our law school will find the best way to deliver the lessons.