COVID, me and students

COVID19,  an infectious disease's outbreak goes back to December of last year. The virus circulated swiftly, Nepal had no escaping from it. Eventually, the first case of COVID was reported and a nation-wide lockdown was imposed to prevent the circulation of the virus. The fear of virus was growing among people. The number of infected and dead were skyrocketing both inside and outside the country.

 Quarantine was an unpleasant experience. I was separated from friends, with whom I spent the majority of my time. Being separated from friends, relatives and freedom eventually gave birth to boredom. Friends were only connected with strings of social media.

Family members who rarely gathered had been locked in between four walls. The first month was like a vacation where everyone gathered and home seemed livelier but as time passed by, It felt like the house was crowded. It felt like I was losing my personal space.

 My schedule drastically changed from waking at 4:30am and sleeping at 10pm to waking and sleeping late. The examination was nearing, college's morning classes were replaced by dull virtual classes. Wattpad stories took place of thick textbooks. 

 Quarantine was a challenging period for youngsters like me who enjoyed time playing and hanging out. We've been doing things we often didn't do and are experiencing different circumstances. Things like foods and goods had changed during the period of lockdown.

After months of lockdown, it was announced that 11th standards examination will not be held immediately. Following the announcement, the classes for 12th grade started. We were in a classroom but the difference was, we used to be in our physical class and now we are in google classroom. Theory and practical was is replaced with four hours of lectures. Whiteboards were replaced by jam board.

For effective learning, a person should be both physically and mentally present in a classroom. Online classes provide us with a platform to learn. However, to start online classes without considering the mental state of students and without any rehabilitation was quite reckless. Not every student can afford to attend the classes with the availability of technology and internet connection. The assignments and classes for a long time could add to the mental stress students are already facing and affect mental stability greatly.

 The government has now has announced the date of 12th grade's examination. It is announced that the 11th standard's examination is to be conducted in the school itself. Currently, students from 11th standard don't even know if they are supposed to be a student of 11 or 12. We are being taught syllabus of 12th grade for more than 6 months and we are supposed to take an examination of 11th grade. Students are still in confusion and stress that they already forgot the syllabus of grade 11.

12th grade's student is also in confusion weather to prepare for board examination or not. The rumour is going around which suggests the government will impose lockdown soon. The entrance exam and related information is also still a mystery. 

The chaos in the student's head can only be solved if the government steps out to clarify the issues regarding the examination and how it is to be conducted in this situation where fear has occupied the heart of people. The government and school should be very careful not to stress student's mental health out.

Successful use of public health measure such as lockdown and quarantine is required to keep the situation healthy but it also requires us to reduce the negative effect associated with it. We will get through this situation if we remain a 'We' and not 'Me' and support each other both mentally and socially believing that this period is a winter which has frozen our heart with fear and excepting spring to emerge soon.