Crisis into Cheers: A DNSC student’s COVID-19 story

Consider trials as pure joy? How is it possible to be happy when we are confronted with problem
after problem after problem?

These questions may linger in your thoughts as the COVID-19 pandemic sparking unprecedented
events that disturb the pace of our lives. From a global event that quickly grew from a health issue to
one that affected the education, the communities, and the economy that caused a staggering 1.5 million
Filipino families be locked in the nest of poverty. On top of these, people are dying, unable to combat
the pain inflicted by the virus. These are enough reasons for us to cover our eyes from looking at the
angle of optimism. But for some individuals, this pandemic is a blessing in disguise.

Andhrey Nhel Anton Niones, a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education student did not
allow the dark hues of this pandemic consume him and his family. Last December, he got a distress call
telling his mother, a front liner got positive of COVID-19. Fear creeps in his system, scared of losing his
mother and series of morbid thoughts enveloped his mind. But he shake it off, believing that it will soon
pass. A week after they learned about his mother’s condition, they undergo a mandatory swab test. The
results were fatal, they also contracted the virus. The fear got him again. But he needs to be strong and
at least fight the unwavering winds and tremendous surges that tries to rule them.

The following day, they were isolated, his sister was placed in a quarantined facility in Panabo
while he stayed in his grandmother’s house. He began to feel the symptoms of the virus, colds, inflamed
tonsils, cough and fever. While in isolation, he learned that some of his neighbours were complaining
and some were spreading exaggerating statements about their conditions. The pressure coming from
their neighbours persisted, that he got caught in the cycle of mixed emotions but in the back of his mind
he knows that help will overflow.

So like how Dumbledore believes that help will come to those who needs it, Andhrey began to
receive limitless provision came through the majority of his friends, relatives, some neighbours and the
government. His friends flooded his inbox with words of encouragement and comfort. They called and
prayed from him and his family. On the 11 th day, his fever was gone. His inflamed tonsils receded. His
cough subsided. He’s certain that he defeated COVID-19.

This experience, became the turning point for him and his family. He realized that after all, this
pandemic isn’t entirely dark hues and shades, it also paints a spectrum of blessings. A crisis turns into
cheers he said. He was able to strengthen his faith, learned who the people that really cares are. And
above all reflected that no journey in the vast ocean is ever straight, pristine or steady. It is sometimes
dark and chaotic. The only thing we can do is to control the sails and brush through the storms because
good things will wait us ashore.

When asked what his take away from his experience he said:

“Sa panahon sa kalisod diraa nato makita kung kinsa ang tinuod nga mga tao na andam
mutabang sa panahon na magkalisod ta ug always trust God lang jud. Diria nato masukod og unsa ang
pagkatao sa atong silingan, amigo, ug maskin pamilya and thankful sab ko sa uban teachers nako sa
DNSC na naghatag og consideration na mapasa nako akong project and module bisan late tungod lage
sa among nasinatian nga kalisod tungod aning COVID”.

To wrap up Andhrey’s experience, this COVID-19 pandemic had his family and him shaken for a
while but looking for the lens of positivity and turning this chaos into the vast ocean of opportunities we
can propel further. Indeed, this crisis gives us a lot of setbacks and overwhelming challenges but with
sheer courage and faith we can surmount and even move mountains.

May this crisis turns you and your family to cheers as it is for Andhrey.