by Jasmin Lagasca

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), forcing a global shutdown, particularly in educational platforms. Because of the crisis, face-to-face classes were replaced by Online Home Learning. Studying at home without physical interactions, with distractions such as slow internet connections and unnecessary noise resulted in students dropping out and stopping their education. 

It is a challenge for students, faculty, and the educational system as a whole. With that, PUNP hosted “Inspire! Be the Total U,” an online event designed to inspire students and encourage them to see the positive aspects of online learning and why it is worthwhile to continue their education.

Online learning indeed poses challenges to everyone in various ways. “When do we continue our studies? We don’t even know when will this pandemic end? Do we really need to stop our lives especially our studying because we are facing a big challenge?” said Ms. Almira Louise Almandres from CBME. Ms. Almandres repeatedly uttered the word “PADAYON” which means moving forward. Ms. Desiree Ela Soliven of SBE added, “a lot of uncertainties happened but remember that what makes it hard, is also what makes it valuable.”

“College is really hard, but there’s no impossible thing if we have dreams.” Ms. Rea Clemente of CCJE said. She added that she is now one step closer to her dreams and the challenges she faced were just a test in her dream to become a future-ready professional. “Education has been tough.” Ms. Junna Marie Dioses of CTE said. Thankfully, the dedication and pure commitment of the administration to provide quality education and learning experiences have certainly helped her. Truly, education never stops and we are bigger and bolder than these challenges.

The special guest of the event shares her valuable insights and tips on how to navigate through these turbulent and uncertain times. Ms. Madeleine Cruz, a lower school Deputy Head of our sister school, Panpacific Unifersity said that “in order to deal with different learning challenges, [you have to] make sure to have the autonomy, [and] the responsibility. Take time to list down your priorities and have a space at home where you can really study and be productive.”

Furthermore, Mr. Joshua Alamillo even said that his experience in PUNP is life changing. “I’ve changed a lot, for the better. I can do things I never thought I could” he added.

In truly inispiring fashion, the students not only show how they keep moving forward but they also expressed their gratitude with the unending support that they receive from PUNP.

Motivational speakers will not always be there to motivate or encourage a person. It is up to them to challenge or transform themselves to turn their dream into a reality. And as the PUNP saying “Start with A Dream, Finish With A Future: Be the Total U.”