OpenImmunity Discussion

Our lives changed after March 14, 2020. At first, I thought it won't last long, but it just went unpredictable day by day. Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. While everyone, including me, was hoping 2021 to be a good year; a year where there will be no sign of Covid-19, but all of our hopes shattered when 2021 turned out to be more severe than 2020. I don't have any of the siblings with whom I can talk so; I was bored at my home during the lockdown. I got depressed during this crucial time while online classes were a mental challenge within themselves as they were new to us. I came to know that just theory does not make me understand courses like Ceramics, Polymers, and Metals. So, I have been learning lots of new stuff but except practical labs. Being at home all the time bothered me because I did not have many people to talk to. My physical health was also affected. I thought to overcome this boredom by joining some societies of IST. So, I applied for them, got an interview, and then was selected as a Manager for Graphic Designing. Day by day, my Graphic Designing skills got polished and ultimately, I became a certified Graphic Designer hence, also a freelancer. My friends helped me a lot to overcome depression. We still talk to each other on daily basis. One thing I understood was that the online educational system was not good as it needs to be, especially, in Pakistan, where students generally have internet connectivity issues, microphone problems, family issues, etc. at home. All the official activities were limited online, and I thought the online system helped many except students as concepts of important topics were mostly not cleared through such means. Although teachers are still putting their best, online classes can never be the best alternative for face-to-face classes. Every time there remains a difference. We also need to appreciate the online mode of taking quizzes and assignment submissions; it is a great plus in the educational system. A remarkable incident also happened to me during this pandemic, my cousin brother got married and as he was the last cousin of my family; to get married, I enjoyed his wedding a lot.
Most people are fearful about the future, but I have complete trust in Allah. As He kept me safe till now and he surely will keep me safe till the very end but if not, then it will be by His grace. Now, let's come towards the future goals. In this case, I trust Allah very much that without His will nothing can happen. If He wills, I'd be in a better position ahead. I have grown unpredictably as before this lockdown my life was not on a right track, but now I have found my way and found my skills.

Sincerely,
Laiba Zahid
070
MS&E -12 -B