The Good and the Bad of Limited Face-to-Face Classes

Within the previous few years, the paradigm of traditional education has changed significantly.
Being physically present in a classroom is no longer the sole means of learning — especially with the
rise of the internet and new technology. The internet has truly revolutionized the concept of
education. However, many questions the efficacy and competence of Distance Learning in
comparison to the Traditional face-to-face classes. Thus, with their backpacks strapped, fancy
stationery, and facemasks ready, students as well as teachers prepare to face the disease that
plagued us physically, mentally and emotionally. Covid- 19 challenged the basic foundations upon
which we have built our lives, a crisis that made life fear driven. In these trying times, seeing people
adjust to the new normal, rekindled a sense of hope and optimism in me.
This great deal of freedom and choice was initially refreshing, or perhaps it was my introverted
tendencies that I was glad to spend my time at home. In a few months' time, however, the freedom
was no longer liberating. I lose sense of time, no longer remembering what day it was. This was not
how I would like to spend my last year of Junior High School. Thus, through an out-of-character and
impulsive decision and without my parents' knowledge, I joined the limited face-to-face classes. This,
of course, means that I would need to rid myself of the bad habits I picked up during the quarantine
period—fixing my sleeping schedule, quitting video games and social media. It was difficult to adjust
to this new normal. However, following the routine of getting up at a certain time, going to classes at
specific times, and coming home at a certain time provided a sense of normalcy in my life.
After a few days of learning in a physical setting, I soon realized that socializing was not my
strongest feat. The thought of speaking to people I did not know made me nauseous. And perhaps it
made me not look forward to school anymore. But then, people I know, people I used to know, and
friends whom I haven't had the chance to reconnect with these past few years, I got to see the people
they have become, the people they used to envision in 8th grade. And although I was quite sad that I
was not able to see their growth and personal development first hand, I was proud of what they have
become. The shy and timid become more outspoken, the lovesick who crave validation begin to value
themselves more, and the uptight person who dislikes trouble becomes more daring. Perhaps the
realization that life is indeed short has prompted us to value it and the bonds that come with it more.
We were no longer immature kids who fought over petty things. Some have started their own
businesses, some have applied to universities and some have started to discover themselves.
The resumption of face-to-face classes has reminded me of what living is. From small things
like walking to school and getting doused in that Vitamin D, to stressing out because of deadlines and
exams, good or bad, and although a bit unusual, this was how I would like to spend my last year of
junior high school. And although the ghosts of this pandemic never truly leave, they quiet themselves
a little. It made me feel content that I got to spend it this way before we go our separate ways for the
next school year.
This past few years was undoubtedly an unfavourable year for every one of us. It was a year
full of despair, a year of hopelessness, uncertainties, dilemmas, and tears. However, maybe it will
also be a year to be inspired and pave the way for new beginnings. This pandemic made me feel as if
I could grasp insanity with my fingertips. But somehow, I manage to cling to my sanity as the tree
clings to its last leaf. Spring came through in the way we least expected, through the limited face-to-
face classes.