by Renee Tolentino

It has been quite a while, hasn’t it? A while since you last woke up at dawn, ate breakfast while the sun was rising, and heard the morning tweeting of a bird’s choir all to prepare for a 7 am class. 

A drastic change waved through us all as the pandemic restricted a majority of our face-to-face interactions, leaving almost every aspect of our life limited to an online setup—including our education. It has been two years since we were confined in front of our monitors, working with our online assignments, stuck marching our fingers through the clicks of our keyboard. However, all of those are slowly transitioning now.

Some may have already been long preparing for the most awaited Back to School. Lots have already been welcomed to the warm breeze of their institutions; yet, there are still spirits out there waiting for their turn to set foot on campus, to finally have a glimpse of home. However, it is without a doubt that among these hopeful spirits are souls that are set to venture through a journey to reach classes.

As a majority of institutions are preparing for a blended setup of onsite and online classes, lots are moving to Manila in order to attend their classes with the challenge of leaving their usual comfort zones and living away for a while. Before the school bells ring, may I ask you, are you ready to fly? Dear brave souls, you may want to pack these things:

1. Prepare for a life-changing challenge. 

Living away from your usual comfort zone of home may be a milestone to up your independence, but it certainly is also an obstacle you’re going to take. Have you ever imagined what it feels like to sleep a hundred kilometers away from your usual bed? Have you already thought about what breakfast you’re going to eat without having to ask your parents about it?

In your hands, you have your freedom and adventure—all ready to be a plot twist to your life.

2. Hold onto your keys.

May it be your room keys, locker keys, car keys, or whatever key, it is your sole responsibility to bring them with you. Hold onto it as if your life depends on it. (Well, technically speaking, your life truly does DEPEND on it.) You would not want to be left alone outside, would you?

3. Be courageous.

Yes, you have yourself to guide you but it’s better to practice your interrogative skills whenever you are lost. (You cannot always rely on the Internet!) Be courageous to ask people things you don’t have full knowledge of. 

In light of this, you may also want to be brave enough to meet support systems. Friends are vital in making the journey bearable and fun, as long as you are reminded to be smart in deciding who to put your trust in!

4. Know your ways.

Upon your interrogative adventure to have yourself informed, make sure to also familiarize yourself with the instructions and directions given to you. Learn how to commute and travel around the big place you’re living. 

Well, you may know about your transportation but it is also as important to know about the aspects inclusive of it. When does the heavy traffic start to get heavier? When do most crowds of people gather around a specific point of your transportation? Be mindful of those things! Who knows? These simple questions might save you from being late every day.

5. Above all, put yourself first. (And always bring an umbrella.)

Be careful, brave soul. You yourself should be your own guard, assistant, parent, support system, and the things in between. Always in all ways, protect and love yourself. You’re not yet fully aware of all the surprises you’re about to encounter, but to be sure and safe: whatever that may be, make yourself your top priority. 

Oh, and by the way, consider an umbrella to be one of your safety nets! It’s going to be your friend and shield whenever rain strikes especially with the fact that Manila may not be the friendliest place when it comes to typhoons.

6. Never take the adventure for granted, brave soul.

It is one hell of a journey but it’ll all be worth it. Do not let the years simply pass through your eyes. Live and leave a mark. Carpe Diem!

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide your fate and the path you will take as another chapter blooms into your life. These are all mere words of assistance and reminders serving as a quick glimpse of advice on what you may encounter.

Sincerely, 

A hopeful spirit taking on the adjustment challenge with you