BOUNCING BACK FROM THE PANDEMIC
As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, wave after wave brought with it uncertainty and hardship for people of all ages—whether six or sixty. Schools shut down, friendships faded into distant memories, and prolonged isolation took a toll on mental health. Long hours spent indoors and in front of screens became the new routine, while economic challenges impacted livelihoods in many sectors.
Yet, in the face of these unprecedented challenges, humanity showed remarkable strength. Our determination, resilience, and collective willpower proved stronger than the virus. With the development of vaccines, we were able to fight back and reclaim parts of our lives. Even amidst the difficulties, silver linings began to emerge—families spent more time together, healthy home-cooked meals became the norm, and many discovered new skills and hobbies. Slowly but surely, we began to adapt to the ‘new normal,’ finding joy in small moments and learning powerful life lessons along the way.
We became stronger without even realising it. Patience, once taken for granted, became a treasured virtue. Human connections grew deeper and more meaningful. And as we welcomed the New Year 2022, we carried with us not just memories of hardship, but also gratitude—for the divine protection, for the lessons learnt, and for the resilience that carried us through.
Solving Together, Thriving Together
By the end of 2021, we had hoped to be nearing the end of the pandemic. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant reminded us that challenges still lay ahead. This ongoing crisis acted as a reset for the world—reshaping education, transportation, healthcare, and even our understanding of mental well-being.
More importantly, it showed us the power of collaboration. The pandemic taught us that only by working together—governments, communities, families, and individuals—can we find real, lasting solutions. As the saying goes, “No school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children’s interests.” This spirit of partnership became the cornerstone of our recovery.
Soaring Beyond Setbacks
Today’s youth have emerged from this crisis stronger and more grounded. The comfort of the past has been replaced with a drive to pursue opportunities, set realistic goals, and achieve greater success. They are rooted in values and ready to fly. As Dorothy H. Cohen aptly said, “We trust and wish the year 2022 will be a year of victory for you!”
Teachers turned their homes into classrooms, while parents witnessed the learning process in a way they never had before. The pandemic proved that education is not just about classrooms—it is a powerful partnership between committed teachers, supportive parents, and eager students.
A Time for Gratitude
Let us take a moment to be truly thankful. Grateful to God Almighty for His grace, for bringing us back to school, for the friends who stood by us, for the unwavering support of our families, and for the dedication of our teachers who never gave up on us.
Now more than ever, it is time to reflect and understand what life truly means. With gratitude in our hearts and hope in our eyes, let us move forward—together.
