I am the Campus Minister of Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School in the Philippines, our academic year has ended and our students are now on their summer break. However, some students willingly wrote reflections for the writing prompt that Educate Magis offered.

Here are the “A Day In My Life Living Under Covid – 19” essay entries from our Junior High School students in Naga City, Philippines. We called the project “Quaranthings” which is a popular line with the youth over social media.

A Day in my Life: Simon, 16, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

Where I’m from, the government put us under strict quarantine. Minors and seniors aren’t allowed to step foot outside their homes. Due to this I have to think of ways to entertain myself. At first it was easy. I thought I could just play videogames and watch anime throughout the whole time we were in lockdown. After a while, it gets boring. You get used to the same routines. I started to take up basketball. I got quite good at it. Then, I took up volleyball. I got good at that too. Again, these too got old really quick. I studied some basic philosophy and some calculus. It was fun at first, but a person’s mind can only take in so much knowledge.

After getting bored for the nth time, I felt lonely. I never new that being away from one’s friends could impact me in a way that I can’t even function properly. There were a lot of nights were I would just cry for no reason and I would constantly scream out the names of my friends. I was in a place I couldn’t get out of.

Something good did come out of this time of solitude. I got time to think. I had time to reflect on what I had done wrong in previously. I could think of ways to better myself. I basically changed for the better. The isolation gave me a whole different outlook on life. It made me appreciate the little minute details that used to be invisible to me.

At the end of the lockdown/quarantine I hope that everyone in the community learned something new. I hope that they still know how to be themselves. I hope that they haven’t lost the hope to look towards the horizon and dream of a better day in the future, where we can all be happy and bask in the morning’s sun together.

A Day in my Life: Elaine, 15, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

“The year 2020 was expected to be our year. After an extensive stretch of pain and devastation, we figured it would be where these ends. But things came out slightly different from what we expected it to be. An unexpected visitor has shaken us all—even the powerful countries couldn’t control it. We don’t have the foggiest idea of what will occur with the imperceptible adversary being present. Although one thing is without a doubt—major changes will occur.

In the Philippines, most of us adjusted with the new normal—wearing masks in public, staying indoors, social distancing, etc. Howbeit, we can’t deny that numerous Filipinos are battling a direct result of this pandemic. Many lives are lost, regardless of whether on account of the infection or in view of yearning. Individuals lost their positions, their employment, and so on. The battle against the pandemic is as yet far ahead, so as the endeavors that my country will apply.

Attending the completion rites of my friends, improving my skills during the usual summer training, spending time with my family in my hometown, and joining debate competitions during the summer—I had all these at the top of the priority list. I never imagined that my arrangements would wind up being dropped. Rather than moping and being unproductive, I tried to learn new skills. Of late, I’ve been busy with cooking dishes, planting crops, binge-watching series, playing instruments, learning new languages, and finishing novels that I left unread for so long. It feels as though the world allowed my desire—to possess more energy for myself—at the time where I least expected it to happen.

Sedulous as I am, a pause like this engrossed in me. The moment I heard the first case in my country, fear and anxiety came rushing through my veins. Inwardly, I felt as though today could be my last. Although uncertainty lingers as the world feels paralyzed, may we still find hope in the face of adversity. May we learn to value the lessons that this pandemic brings us. As we go through this dreadful battle, we remember the things that we shouldn’t take for granted—time and life.”

A Day in my Life: Radha Chloe, 14, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

As the quarantine began, people weren’t allowed to go outside unless they have their quarantine pass. Because of this, there were major adjustments especially in my household Since my brother is a frontliner. We had to observe the protocols at home, wearing mask, sanitizing everything we use, avoiding too much contact from my brother, etc.

During the first few weeks of quarantine, I underestimated the sorrow of being isolated inside our home because I still have school works to finish, which made me a bit busy. I also had my friends to talk to, K-dramas to watch, and social media to explore. Then I tried to exercise daily. I tried to do it for about two weeks, it made me feel energized and more happy but eventually, I gave up.

But as the weeks passed, those habits began to make me feel bored. There were less communication with my friends. Disinteresting and negative topics are seen in the social media, so I took a little break. During this little break, I relinquished some things that have been causing my uneasiness. Then I started to explore more things about myself. This quarantine made realize that instead of complaining, why don’t I do things I really love and things that would make me happy.

As this quarantine continues, I hope people would stop complaining about being isolated at home. I hope that instead of wasting their time, they focus on appreciating small things and spending time with their loved ones. I also hope that people would never forget to pray and trust in Him who is the source of all comfort and joy.

A Day in my Life: Ann Margaret, 16, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

“The pandemic strikes the world like a chest filled with chaos and fear. In the Philippines, it has been taking lives and resources which my country cannot afford to lose all at once.  For us Filipinos, as in many places around the world, the coronavirus crisis is like a nightmare we wish to escape. Though there are endless problems and uncertainty lingers in the air, my country struggles to fight against the pandemic little by little.

Though the quarantine results in an isolation that demands a pause, and numerous changes on my daily life, I realized that I have to cope with the situation. As I figure that living in silence and experiencing solitude is a privilege not many of my countrymen may have the opportunity to enjoy, much less experience.

I had my whole summer planned. But now, instead of attending my usual summer training and doing the outdoor activities planned, I now try to learn new things which I never thought of doing. Lately, I have been trying to learn a new language, discover visual art, and learn to play the piano. Staying at home also gave a lot more time to rest and bond with my family — things that I now consider as luxuries as we live very busy lives.

To be honest, it is impossible to say that fear never crossed my mind. I always think of the frontliners and other vulnerable people that suffer a lot from this pandemic. However, it would also be impossible to say that the pandemic did not make me a different person. I guess through the quarantine, a girl who used to take things for granted is now appreciating awareness, time, and love for art and family more than ever.

Before the crisis, people were too busy following the illusion of being more by doing more or having more. But now that we have less and are constrained to go places, may we be called to wake up from this illusion and treasure the things we took for granted — time, love, and life itself.

A Day in my Life: Carmel Therese, 15, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

«Frankly, I’m displeased and frustrated with how the government and our society is handling our current situation. I firmly believe that the administration isn’t dealing with the crisis as it should, for questionable events have occurred in the past weeks in relation to the virus and our government, such as the issues regarding mass testing and the distribution for relief goods. It frustrates me to the core that in spite of this crisis, corrupt officials still have the nerve to stash the people’s money in their pockets and steal the credit for deeds they have not done. This crisis further proves that our system of government is messed up.

Besides this, it appears that a number of people aren’t doing their roles as good citizens with deference. To say our community lacks discipline would be an understatement. I witnessed how insolent some people can be towards following rules such as social distancing, which I wouldn’t bother emphasizing how simple a task it is.

Yet, not all are to be blamed for violating rules such as these. Most of my fellow Filipinos, namely our frontliners, minimum wage workers, the less fortunate, and so on are suffering because of this crisis. As I, a privileged citizen comfortably lounging at home, is composing this essay, people are risking their lives by violating community quarantine just to have something to put on the table. People are risking their lives by exposing themselves to areas wherein the virus thrives because it’s their duty to do so. People are risking their lives every day, and this troubles me.

As much how insane and corrupt the administration is, citizens aren’t abiding by the rules. But, in most cases, it is due to the need of survival. Everyone needs help, and yet everyone is caught in between the chaos. This burdens me as a citizen of my country.

In spite of these, I’ve found solace in many things. My heart is at ease that my family is doing alright. I’m also relieved that my friends are doing fine as well, and in the midst of this crisis, I’m still able to talk to them thanks to social media. I’m able to direct my energy towards productivity too, despite being stuck at home. With all the free time in my hands, I was able to sharpen my skills and further pursue my passions. I’ve busied myself for the past days by improving my Mandarin and Hokkien, playing the piano, reading, painting, etc. Thus, I’m quite glad to say that nevertheless, I’ve found some peace in this crisis as well; I was able to get to know myself more and deeper appreciate the privileges I’ve been bestowed upon.

However, the new normal still frightens me. The uncertainty lingering in the air frightens me to the bone. But in this uncertainty lies hope. A lot has happened during the past weeks, but not everything turned out as bad as they seemed.

In line with this, I hope we may continue to abide the necessary regulations to keep our community in order, and I hope we may all realize how simple yet important some rules may be. Social distancing, for a matter. Still, amidst the chaos, I know that one day, things will turn out better, and one day everything will be okay again.»

A Day in my Life: Celine Andrea, 15, Ateneo de Naga University Junior High School, Philippines

“The situation right now is tough, especially for those who are risking their lives at the front lines just to save ours. In our country, majority of the citizens are not privileged enough to be chilling at home and just wondering what activity to do next. With 16.6% of its people living in extreme poverty, this country isn’t doing quite well, if I may say so.

As for me, quarantine might be one of the most difficult challenges I have ever encountered if not the worst. I am stuck at home, constantly trying to keep myself busy and depending on the little chances I get to peep outside to help me cope and keep my sanity.

I want to go outside, I guess we all do, however despite all of the ennui I feel, I search for that gleaming silver lining to help me cope with the entire situation. I have shed my pessimistic self through the help of the people around me, people who lift me up and would never wish ill upon me, people who shower me with as much love I give. I found peace in being with my family instead of the world outside the comforts of my home, with all the toxicity and stereotypes that shouldn’t be present at all.

At first I thought staying inside would drive me nuts and make me lonely. However, at this point I am much happier than I was before. I have people on my side — the important people. I am now a girl with a happier state of mind, a hopeful heart, and bigger plans for the future.”