What the ‘Now Normal’ Has Taught Us

In the past months, fear of uncertainties crowded not only our health sector and economy but also the very education system that we have. However, perhaps one of the most successful lessons this pandemic has brought into our awareness is the fact that we are capable of the impossible. In the face of a crisis, the academic community is left with no choice but to sail the seas of untested waters–full-scale remote learning.

While it’s true that technology is already integrated in different facets of education even before COVID-19 hit, we never planned to confront its potentials aggressively. The process was gradual, yet it only took a unique phenomenon to transition with such a great leap.The pandemic, like any adversity, is a test of many–patience, perseverance, purpose and most of all, relationships. But what is a test without lessons?

1. Possibilities are limitless, and so with opportunities.

Learning is a lifelong pursuit, and it has been the overarching theme of the year. Despite the limitations of our new reality, we always explore possibilities beyond our borders and persevere by being creative and innovative. Our measures may not be a perfect fit all the time, but we take every situation as an opportunity for us to grow. We learn that success is a painstaking process that takes full commitment to rectify errors, refine practices, and continue amidst imperfections.

2. Compassion is always relevant.

Teaching would be a meaningless service in the absence of compassion. The challenges of our situation help us to reflect and recollect the thoughts of why we do the things that we do. In short, it helps us to evaluate our purpose. It is never cliché to say that we are facing different battles and, in this situation, being genuinely compassionate with the challenges our students and colleagues face helps ease the unspoken burdens and pains they feel. With this, we are reminded of our purpose, which is to serve and to show compassion to other people to make a difference in this world.

3. Relationships need to be valued

It is now more than ever that we need to acknowledge every support system that God has given us–our family, friends, teachers, colleagues, church mates, to name some, and embrace them with genuine love and gratitude. Perhaps, it is God’s way of telling us to slow down, that it is the perfect time to appreciate all the relationships that we have and strengthen our relationship with Him. It is a humbling experience to accept that while tangible things may diminish, we can always increase the value of the relationships we have.

The ‘now normal’ may not be as challenging as it is now in years to come, but it is indeed a pivotal experience that reminds us that we are capable of surviving adversities through patience, perseverance, compassion and love for our family and friends. 

 Photos by Mr. Khyte Mendoza