By Jaemie Talingdan

As the first batch of ASHS students to spend their whole senior year online, Batch 2021 has faced numerous challenges. From the uncertainty and anxiety the pandemic brings to the loneliness and isolation, seniors were put through the wringer. Despite the immense pressure, they managed to spread their wings and soar high, albeit online.

While we bid our goodbyes to Batch 2021, let us look back on how they went about this tumultuous school year and the lessons they wish to impart.

Coping with Challenges

As the new learning setup isolates them from their friends and classmates, many seniors have found themselves lost and confused, unable to fully adjust to the online setting. School sometimes gets too draining and the loneliness brought by not being able to physically be with their batchmates in their last year of senior high school only adds to the stress. For many, the line that separates school and home became a blur, greatly affecting their productivity.

Despite all of these, they each had their own ways of coping with the stress brought by this new mode of learning. For some, it was setting healthy habits that made their online school experience more bearable.

“With the previous school year’s unique setup, I was able to cope through it and the challenges that it brought by trying my best to maintain a lifestyle that puts a premium on holistic development,” Kyle Quiwa, ‘20-’21 AthC Vice President shared. “I make sure that all aspects of my well-being, such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social health, are all in check.”

For others, having other people by their side, may it be physically or virtually, has helped them push through the year. Whether it was the team they worked with, their friends, family, or their study or support group, spending time with others has not only eased their loneliness, but also served as their motivation to carry on.

In addition to the struggles they had with online classes, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and life outside school also posed a challenge for the graduating batch. Some were able to conquer these challenges by setting priorities and managing the time they had wisely. 

Moments to Remember

Despite being online, this school year did not go without leaving a mark on the students. The face-to-face interactions may be gone, but the memories formed in this new, virtual setup remain. 

In times like these, every second spent with our friends and classmates creates a wonderful memory to be cherished. Luis Francisco, recipient of the James J. O’Brien SJ Award for Excellence in HumSS Strand, recalled his class’ Miki Assembly, reminiscent of their grade 11 class’ Mayer Pawer Assemblies.

“Something unique to my section in Grade 11, Mayer, was our Pawer Assemblies, get-togethers that took place every other month, which allowed us to spend time on various activities,” he said. “Going back to our Miki Assembly, although the event was evidently a step down from what I would call the glory days of Grade 11, the pure joy of seeing everyone laugh and genuinely spend time with each other, albeit through Zoom, made me realize that that was perhaps the closest I would ever get to bringing back the excitement of seeing my classmates in person.”

The online setting also did not put a damper on students’ passions for their own advocacies. Gino Bulatao, ‘20-’21  ACO Vice President, cited the ACO Leadership Training and donation drives for typhoon victims in Cagayan Valley and Surigao as some of his most memorable moments. 

On the other hand, Ninna Rivera, Valedictorian and recipient of the Prudencio F. Macayan SJ Award for Excellence in STEM Strand recounted Alimbukad, a 3-day environmental awareness seminar and her committee, Matanglawin’s flagship project.

“This event was memorable because we learned event production skills relevant and integral to an online setting. In order to prepare for Alimbukad, I was also able to bond with my sub-committee and committee members along the way as we shared our struggles and newfound experiences together despite the physical distance,” she said.

Words of Wisdom

As they move on to the next chapter of their lives, seniors take with them the lessons they learned in their two years in the ASHS. With this, batch 2021 leaves their juniors a few pieces of advice in conquering their senior year online.

“This is only a small part of your journey in life. It may not be what you wish to have gone through, but you can still face it and make it count,” says Don Salongsongan, ‘20-’21 STEM Chairperson.

Though it may be hard to look at the bright side in times like these, there will always be people to help and support us. 

“Learn to also seek the simple joys that can aid and motivate you to persevere amidst the many obstacles that stand and will stand in your way. Know that you are never alone and reach out to the people you trust,” Francesca Manalo, recipient of the James P. Dunne SJ Award for Excellence in GA Strand reminds.

Socializing may be scary, especially with people you have yet to meet in real life, but ‘20-’21 GA Strand Chairperson Lia Profeta reminds us to make an effort to connect with our classmates. 

“Try to join that class movie night, or game time, or any other class/strand activity! I know the online setup is not ideal, and that socializing can be scary, but it’s really up to you on how you can make the most of your final stay in the ASHS. Just take small steps to try and make your last year here memorable!” she said.

Last but definitely not least, we have our own selves to take care of. As ‘20-’21 HumSS Strand Chairperson Sabie Aquino says, “Always favor yourself and learn to love yourself a lot this year. Put yourself in the forefront.”

Though the year certainly would’ve been better had things gone differently, the online setup brought new experiences of its own. Spending their last year in high school behind a screen, it may feel as if their senior high experience has yet to fully conclude. Nonetheless, it is time for them to leave the nest and soar to greater heights. A virtual graduation may not hold a candle to the real thing, but it’s the memories they commemorate that really matter most.

Photo Source: Hi-Lites on Facebook