Letterto theEditor

Dear The Fortress Editor,

We are now in the middle of the school year. After the tough battle we have been through with the pandemic, we are now here, again, fighting. Many students have mediocre academic performance this year not because they have no interest in learning, but because they are afraid of interacting with people. The two years of being alone during distance learning has affected the students deeply. They got scared of socializing. Being out of their comfort zone made them fear many things. The exact fear that hinders them from learning.

After two years of distance learning due to the pandemic, we, students, find ourselves in a state that we enjoy being alone and do not like being around people that much. The global health crisis has prompted us to be anxious most of the time. It doubled our worries and often, emotions are mixed-up. I, personally, somehow got used to studying alone. Now that we return to our normal state, I am still adjusting. Being so agitated with the thought of socializing has a major effect with students’ performance in school.

So, how will you make students realize that socializing is not something to be afraid of? – that socializing and coordinating with fellow students and adults inside the school is something we need as we grow and develop? If you could share some words, what advice would you give for us to enjoy the rest of the school year?

Sincerely,

Ghernie May Delos Reyes Grade 9-Newton

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Dear Ghernie May,

We, The Fortress campus journalists, at times feel the same way you do. However, as we embark on another year, it is our hope that this crisis will encourage all of us to look forward with a positive outlook and growth mindset – to find inspiration in the experiences and challenges we’ve shared these past few years,to greet each new day celebrating small wins for the new skills we’ve learned, the new ideas we’ve embraced, and the new circle of friends we’ve made along our way. Each one has an unforgettable experience throughout the pandemic which is a nightmare to some if considered, especially the youth and even those who are still affected by it.

All aspects of our well-being have been shaken, and our mental health is no exception. Our stability is very important not just during the outbreak, but more so this post pandemic era. The Department of Education conducts several mandatory face-to-face implementations concerning our welfare, and guidance counselling nationwide both in private and in public schools.

Though the pandemic era has not fully come to an end,Deped makes sure that students are safe as we return for in-person classes. Fear is something unavoidable, but when we try to cope with certain adjustments, we will surely conquer.

As an individual,I agree with you. Due to all the extra stress, loneliness and anxiety the pandemic has pounded in our lives, our mental health has been disturbed. Thus, I know that resocializing is never an easy thing. It takes courage, time, and process to learn and relearn this skill. Put in mind the aphorism: “No man is an island.” We, in The Fortress, believe that each one of us is interdependent with one another – that we cannot live and survive this complicated world alone. We need to learn how to give love and support, so that we shall receive the same thing we give the world.

We need to start closing the distance and build more relationships because if we keep on isolating ourselves, how will we overcome this pandemic fatigue? To concretize a solution, I advise you to start by making friends inside the classroom, participate in group tasks, assume a role to fulfill,be open, speak your mind – COMMUNICATE. Gradually you’ll conquer your fears. You don’t have to take a big leap immediately – it can always be one step at a time and one day at a time in improving your mental welfare.

My fellow students, this in-person classes and resocialization that many of us are afraid of is an avenue for us to regain our self-esteem. Getting there is hard work; so is any good thing in life, but remember that the harder it is, the more it becomes valuable. May you not let the fears you feel today robbed your youth of worthwhile experiences in school. Savor every moment; take heart.

Sincerely,

Rosa Mea B. Ferrer Editor in Chief