University Staff Miss Students As Much as Students Miss Them

Since the pandemic hit, the daily lives of many university employees and that of students' have drastically changed. Some are feeling restless and want to get back to their old routines as soon as possible, others however, are dreading getting out of their pyjamas and coming across unfamiliar faces every day.

"I am grateful to still have a job despite the pandemic ravaging job opportunities for most. However, it no longer sparks joy as I cannot bully--uh sorry, I mean assist students in person anymore," admits Asifur Rahman, an employee of one university's administration wing.

University campuses are now mostly empty, except for the security guards who still carry on their duties diligently, but now, with much less purpose.

"Without any couples on campus, the university no longer faces the grave threat of two people holding hands," says the head of security of Bidirectional University. The security team can finally go through the day without being ordered through their walkie-talkies to tell two students to sit further apart from each other in the cafeteria.

No longer can you see a swarm of tired students making their way to early morning classes. Many students now in fact miss their hectic yet enjoyable routine of attending classes and chilling with friends on campus. Things have been too different for too long now. Waking up early, getting ready and battling through traffic to attend classes requires a certain character-building willpower that sleeping next to your laptop throughout the class simply does not mandate.

The cafeteria used to be full of life back when things were normal, you could hardly find a seat in there. Now, needless to say, it is a ghost town. It is hard to imagine how much the students must miss the cafeteria food that they often found surprises in, especially the surprises that have six legs.

"I frequently went to the cafeteria at 9 AM to have my morning coffee. It's quieter and more peaceful during those hours," says Farhana, a university student. Upon being asked why she was in the cafeteria at 9 AM when her classes started at 8 AM, she said, "I showed up for attendance, not an education. Please respect my choices."

Her professor must surely miss her.    

Nuzhat enjoys baking but simply cannot find the required ingredients. Tell her about your favourite baked goods at nuzhatchowdhury07@gmail.com