Getting Used to a Healing World

By: Samuel Lim

In early 2020, the Covid-19 Pandemic washed over the world like a tidal wave, and we weren't ready for it.

But like all humans, we adapt, we persevere, we live on. Now in 2021, the world has started on the long journey to healing.

Like the rest of the world, Malaysians are coming to grips with a new life of masks and strict rules. Both the working class and students are allowed to return to their institutes and offices in phases. Some of us are still reeling from the pandemic, but all of us are trying our best to make the most of the situation.

A lone student clad in mask going about his evening in an empty mall. Source: Krispygraphs

“We got so used to working from home, we don't eventually wake up as early. Let's say I'm working at 8:30, I'll probably wake up at 8.

To the office on a daily basis, I usually wake up like 6 and I'll be leaving the house by 7. So it's definitely not an easy change. “

The same goes with students returning to campus, something I’m sure will hit home with students reading this. Some students have adjusted well to online classes, but most can agree, whether you like online classes or not, there is something missing from those, compared to attending classes in person.

For those who have already returned to campus to attend classes and use the facilities, there’s less energy and all the spacing, and lack of commotion is certainly jarring.

Sujay, 20, a student in Communications, shared the opinion that while it was nice to set foot on campus again, the feeling is certainly less lively than what it used to be.

“That's what the pandemic does. It takes away businesses, and it makes it quite isolated.”

Sujay was keen to be back on campus, having classes and meeting peers again, while not what it used to be, certainly is better than being stuck at home for a year.

Another student who would like to remain anonymous had this to add: “There were a lot of things that changed.”

He added that last year, we could go to campus as we liked but now there are security guards that restrict movement.

“But I get where they're coming from. They're trying to contain the people who are going in and out.”

He continued, “So even though it's a bit hard, if I am to go back to normal campus life again, I still hope to return there sooner than later. Right now, even though I'm really, really comfortable having online classes, I feel unproductive at home.”

It may be a different world out there, and some will still have to take classes in their pyjamas (whether you see that as a plus or minus), but getting accustomed to this climate is not as bad as some may think. And there’s always the hope that things can ramp up again, but that dream of a normal world may have to wait a while longer.