Last June 10, 2022, the Grade 12 students at Centro Escolar Integrated School – Malolos celebrated the first Senior’s Day. After studying under the e-learning curriculum for two consecutive school years, Seniors could finally step foot and have a tour around the campus of CEIS Malolos. Upon walking along the corridor, I uttered several what-ifs, imagining possible school scenarios we could have experienced if the ongoing pandemic did not halt physical classes.

“What if we are conducting physical classes; how many students will be praying here before their examinations or major presentations?” Upon passing by the CEU chapel, I imagined how this area would be filled with students praying badly during the crucial moments of their academic lives. I bet some students will run to this chapel to cope with stress or maybe some will resort to eating snacks at the canteen. During online classes, several stressors arise, resulting in psychological consequences. From then, I realized that my classmates, even me, have tried various coping mechanisms to survive this school year. I am glad that no matter what mechanism it is, they were able to conquer the consequences brought by the pandemic and commemorate the Senior’s day with me.

“What if we are in a normal school day; will we be finding sources for our research or sleeping soundly here?” After walking for a few minutes, we finally got to feel the cool air provided by the air-conditioning unit inside the library. As I roamed my eyes around the place, I imagined how we would fight the battle between sleep and study. I wonder if we will be able to study peacefully in that library or if we will just take a nap and be scolded by the school librarian? Online classes indeed gave students freedom. They can sleep, eat, and study whenever or wherever they please. Although that sounds fun, experiencing an actual study session inside a library, sleeping inside the classroom, or eating at the canteen will still hit differently.

“What if we are conducting face-to-face classes, I am late for my first class, and our classroom is located on the third floor?” When we were finally going up to our designated classroom in the old building, I can imagine how exhausting it will be to run from the ground floor to the third floor just to catch up with my first class. From then, I realized how convenient online classes genuinely are. During physical classes, you must wake up and prepare at least two hours prior to your first class. However, you can be punctual during online classes even if you open your computer just five minutes before virtual meetings start. Nonetheless, it would be more memorable if only we could experience or witness students rushing along the school hallways.

“What if everything is back to normal; how am I as a student, a classmate, and a schoolmate?” Upon reciting the names of my classmates during a game, I wonder how our teachers see me as a student and how students see me as their classmate or schoolmate. Online classes limit the bond that we can experience during physical classes. We could only get to know each other through their Facebook profiles or by chatting with them. However, knowing other people is beyond knowing their names, where they completed Junior High School, or what section they are in. Participating in the Senior’s Day made me realize that seeing my teachers, classmates, or schoolmates from the four corners of my computer monitor will never be enough. I realized that we still have a lot of things to know about our classmates, even from the ones we are closest to.