Embracing the New Normal

Lili N. Yabut

New normal. This is the term that has brought a lot of changes in our everyday activities and in our work. This is the real change in our environment.

Many of us shifted to some ways that are far from what we are used to. Wearing face masks, bringing alcohol all the time and most especially social distancing. Situations that are really uncertain right now.

Our social life has been limited or restricted. Our work has shifted from Work from Home. Cashless payments are in, online transactions are highly encouraged, online shopping and deliveries became essentials, seminars became webinars, meetings became virtual, and going to church became online. And all of a sudden, internet is no longer our wants, but it is already our needs.

What is really interesting is that, education will not stop despite the pandemic that hit the world. Face to face has been modified into modular, online, Radio and TV-Based instruction and other learning modalities. Teachers adjusted to this way of teaching and somehow conditioned their selves that this is going to be the new normal of education. Chalkboard will be replaced by computer and laptop monitors, books will be replaced by modules, and lessons will be delivered in National TV and Radio stations.

We are all finding ways on how can we can survive and meet the needs of this new normal. We are all looking for alternative ways on how we can move forward and balance everything.

It is true that this pandemic brought a lot of fears that threaten our lives and left us a problem of how long it will take to recover but it also taught us to open many doors, to become more resilient, to become more optimistic and to become more physically and emotionally stable. That no matter how deep is your scar, time will come and it will be healed.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher II at San Vicente Pilot School for Philippine Craftsmens,

Bulaon Resettlement, City of San Fernando(P)