A much-awaited return to campus

The last couple of weeks have been incredible in many ways. Since returning to physical schooling, we had an outpouring of joy and emotions as old friends reunited and bonded after a long separation. We were all relieved as we went about playing football and visiting the canteen or library to spend our free classes.

The change in our mentality after the break was evident. Many, including myself, found ourselves forming new friendships with people who we didn't get along with before the school closure. As we came to know each other more, it became apparent that we have grown and matured somehow and many of the social rules of the past such as who would sit with whom didn't apply anymore. Our social interactions undoubtedly improved as we had new perspectives.

As classroom learning slowly resumes, we now feel like we belong here after the somewhat soulless experience of online learning. Seeing the teachers again was akin to being reunited with our parents after a long time. We were thrilled to see the gateman mama and khalas who we previously used to escape from. 

However, not everything is as rosy as it seems. Despite the authority's best efforts, social distancing measures in many schools have been said to be wanting at times. This was perhaps expected, as students were bound to become emotional and hug their friends after such a long time. Nevertheless, it increases the risk of Covid-19, which despite its current drop, hasn't gone away yet.

Another unnerving thing is the fact that time has passed, despite it seemingly being at a standstill for us. Our batch went home as carefree eighth graders. Now, we will turn 18 a few months later and are the seniors to whom the school looks up to with our O Level exams on the horizon. With limited time, we really have a huge job to both perform well in our exams and be a shining example to our juniors.

The bhel puri and jhal muri mamas were mainstays of our post-school addas. So, we were very sad to see they had left town during the lockdowns. We had so many good memories of munching their food and having the time of our lives at their stalls. We can only hope they return to the city soon.

There is also this subconscious insecurity which is nagging me. We students are still mostly unvaccinated, and the little pathogens don't discriminate on who it infects. Fortunately, vaccines have been promised for school students, easing my insecurity a bit. Slowly but surely, both students and teachers are getting up to speed with their old roles.

Now, my hope is the world will be healed soon and we can enjoy school just like the good old times.

Inqiad Bin Ali, despite his insecurity, is glad schools have opened. Keep him distracted from mocks at inqiadali007@gmail.com