When the Dimmest Light Shines the Brightest: Lived Experiences of ISAT-U Students During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the world and badly impacted all sectors of life especially public health, economy, and education. Researches have underscored that pandemic leads to unpredictability, uncertainty, seriousness of the disease, misinformation and social isolation, which causes stress and mental morbidity, especially among youth including college students. The aim of this study was to determine the significant changes that the ISAT-U students experienced as the “new normal” set-up of education commences. This study also highlighted the challenges experienced by five students, who were identified as the participants of the study through purposive sampling, attending to their classes while the country is under the pandemic as well as the lessons they learned in life during the pandemic. The results revealed that students of ISAT U-Dumangas Campus has experienced significant changes in their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic such as the hostile effects of home quarantine. Their mental and psychological health have been challenged. They also discovered a lot of things about themselves during pandemic while they stayed at home such as their talents and skills. On the other hand, the participants experienced level of anxiety and stress brought about by the pandemic. This was exacerbated by their online classes where they found it difficult to connect to the internet. Meanwhile, time management seemed to be working with the participants in coping with the pandemic as well as their school requirements. Being optimistic and have faith in God Almighty were the things they learned during the pandemic that helped them get through the challenges and difficulties they experienced during pandemic.