THIS is truly a difficult if not an unusual time for all nations. We all lost something to Covid-19. Something everyone can relate to — the loss of freedom.
Going out to watch the English Premier League with friends at a mamak eatery seems like a distant memory now.
It's a simple pleasure that now seems surreal.
Nevertheless, Malaysians by and large are persevering as we understand that there is too much at stake to resume movement.
Poet Jallaludin Rumi once said: "This world is nothing but the harmony of opposites."
In a time of social distancing, home surveillance and quarantine, parents and educators constantly worry about students slipping into a slump, losing passion and drive to self-improve.
However, many students at higher education institutions have proven them wrong. In the face of adversity, many students have chosen to be active, resourceful and empowered.
Activities and competitions have been organised, all of which obey the Movement Control Order.
Many students have volunteered to be student frontliners, serving on student task forces for Covid-19. They offer support (whenever and however possible) to friends in need.
Student representative groups serve as communication delegates to disseminate information from the higher education institution management to the students.
These student frontliners have shown admirable qualities that are not directly taught in the classroom, namely, compassion and benevolence.
Online competitions and challenges by students for students have been conducted. They include Mobile Legend competitions, article write-up challenges, book reviews, Quran recitals and video-making competitions.
The MCO has propelled students to become more tech-savvy than ever.
Through these activities, students gained an abundance of knowledge and skills that will improve their academic performance in the long run.
Certainly, our higher education institutions have courses on computer literacy, writing skills, critical thinking and video editing, but the MCO has nudged students to apply their knowledge independently with minimal supervision.
Creativity and innovation were in abundance throughout.
While we wallow in sadness for our losses during this difficult time, we must not forget that every cloud has a silver lining.
We shall emerge from this experience stronger, better and more resilient as a nation.
Dr ZAID OMAR
Director of Holistic Student Division, Department of Higher Education
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times