Editor’s Note: Perhaps most of us have chatted with our students about their lives under COVID-19. Seldom, though, have we seen them expressed in writing. Below are some selected writings from the students of an ESL teacher in our midst, submitted in their knowledge and with their permission. Let’s hear the voice of some in this precious group.
“COVID-19 has changed my lifestyle. As the pandemic continued to spread around Canada, the government decided to shut down all the schools and public facilities, including adult ESL classes. Although this is challenging, it has also given me the opportunity to have online English classes. I didn’t realize that they not only can build up my English knowledge, but it also lets me learn skills useful for life. I was afraid of learning new tech but I found out that online learning is interesting. It is a good way to save time and money for me, too.
For personal reasons, I had to return to my own country. The laws are quite different. Every returning citizen must quarantine for 14 days. During this time of isolation, I felt overwhelmed and frustrated. The online ESL class was the most anticipated moment of the day for me to get through this tough time. I am happy about having online classes even though I am so far away. I cherish this opportunity to learn. I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. We will get through this difficult time and will learn how to cope with this pandemic.”
—Alice Y.
“My life has changed since March due to the pandemic. COVID-19 turned the world upside down, and I can’t deny my fear and anxiety about the spread of the virus is overwhelming. The stay home order has turned my life monotonous. Everything feels blurry. At the same time, my values and beliefs are being crushed. It’s hard to believe that hugging and shaking hands is hazardous, visiting friends can be harmful, and staying too close with other people is dangerous.
The pandemic also forced me to learn and rethink; I learned how to study and shop online, accept a different way of living, and most importantly, I reexamined the value of life. COVID-19 is a wake-up call. It helped me separate what is meaningful and what is not. Whether you are rich or poor, powerful or insignificant, you cannot be exempted. In the past, I wished I could have a bigger house, a luxury car, and be wealthier. Now I realize that no matter how big your house is, it is just a bigger prison to quarantine in. No matter how luxurious your car is, it idles in the garage like any other car. What I treasure most now are some simple things I was not aware of and had taken for granted in the past. Staying safe with my family, having coffee with my friends, walking freely outside are more meaningful to me now.
The pandemic has given the world a lesson, but the ‘tuition fee’ is too costly. I hope everyone in the world learns it and finds what is most valuable, and eventually use this lesson to help to build a better and safer world in the future.”
—Alfred Y.