The Vast Changes of the New Normal

by Dennilyn E. Pangilinan
Teacher III, Lauis National High School

Most days, I wander and feel hopeless around the four

corners of my classroom. Reminiscing the past and looking forward
for the future. And now, I am here, we are here, in the present.

For more than two years, there are no signs of busy

students, moving from place to another, lurking around teasing each
other. There are no noisy teens raising their hands to recite or ask
questions. There are no groupings, no interactive activities, no performances, no laughter, no busy bees
because for two years, there is no face-to-face classes.

We all tried to cope up with the abrupt changes we had to face amid the pandemic. We held on
to online classes and modular distant learning and yes, we all struggled but since we are Filipinos who
are known for resiliency, we rise up and tried to survive. And we have come into this very moment. After
a very long time, the face-to-face classes is back!

The moment I step into my classroom, I look into unfamiliar eyes, faces covered by mask,
different body physiques and I see very little movements --- as if everyone is shy and reluctant.

Suddenly, I realized this is the first day these learners step into the classroom after more than
two long years. The students stand up warily then softly said “Good morning, Teacher!”.

Excitedly, I answered them with a warm welcome back to school greeting!

I was waiting for sweet smiles that can be seen through their eyes in return, but sadly, I received
none. But nevertheless, I motivate them to cheer up as we continue to grasp this moment that we all
waited for.

The agony of waiting for this day has come to an end. On the first day of face-to-face classes, we
had the psychological first aid.

As the clock ticks, each student slowly opens up about their experiences in the new normal in
education. They all shared how they struggle to cope up with self-learning.

Sooner, they expressed how happy and excited they were to attend school. Accepting that the
pandemic has changed many different lives in many different ways has taken its toll on their young
minds.

I admire the bravery, honesty and vulnerability of these young ones. I salute their parents too.
They have proven that education is one of the most important things a person should possess.

Though the students feel shy, uneasy and reluctant on this first day, I am positive that sooner or
later, the cheerfulness they had in pre pandemic will soon come back.

All of us need to lend each other the will to be brave, strong and happy. Indeed, education never
stops, and we will bounce back until all is back to normal.

These days, I still wander and feel hopeful around the four corners of my classroom. Reminiscing
the past and looking forward for the future. And now, I am here, we are here, in the present.