What Happened To All The Graduates Of 2020?

What Happened To All The Graduates Of 2020?

By

Last year, graduates were sent off to the real world at the worst possible time. Now, they’re trying to figure it all out.

Related: An Abundance Of Singles In The Pandemic Dating Scene

It was March 16, 2020, there were a few people who didn’t attend class because they were afraid of the coronavirus everyone was talking about. I didn’t know much about it, but I did buy a Pitta mask that I would occasionally wear around campus. After attending my first class (where I was fighting to stay awake), I transferred to the main building for the next. While I was waiting for the professor to arrive, my classmates slowly started leaving the classroom. Everything was how it should be on a Monday morning, till that moment.

A couple of minutes passed by and my friend came in the classroom. She told us the professor texted her it was free cut, because he was scared of coming in that day. Then, she asked me if I wanted to have lunch with her and our friends instead. I declined the offer because I was feeling tired. Besides, I didn’t mind going home early. I haven’t had time to rest for a while. On the same day, the government placed Metro Manila under community quarantine till further notice. I had no idea that March 16 would be the last time I’d visit my university before graduating. To this day, I would ask myself: What would I have done if I knew it was my last?

According to the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), an estimate of 44,069 college students of state universities and colleges (SUCs) will not enroll for academic year 2020-2021. I’ve asked a few of my friends who are a part of the 44,069 students why they decided to hit pause on college. These were majority of the reasons: financial problems, poor internet connection, lack of resources, COVID cases, reallocation, and mental health issues.

The rest of those who decided to continue class don’t feel too good about it either. “College was supposed to be the time I was going to try new things and make new friends. I was only able to try it out for one semester. Most of my friends are delayed because of the pandemic. I feel lonely now and I’ll feel lonely when all of this is over,” shares a 2nd year college student. Aside from the mental disposition of the students, their class performance hasn’t been great either. In a survey conducted by on 2,500 students last June, they found out that 75% of college students have been feeling more anxious or stressed about online classes.

The “lucky ones” are those who were able to finish a degree during the pandemic. These graduates were on their last few semesters before quarantine took place. They got the diploma, an online graduation, and years of work experience ahead of them. But, where do they begin? Companies are down sizing, the economy is down, and the world is under lockdown. Some graduates persevered by bagging a job in a company that was able to ride the pandemic curve, while others paved their own path. They’ve made a living through online coaching sessions, livestreaming, baking, online retailing, graphic design services, and much more.

Related: 3 Ways You Can Get Scammed During The Pandemic And How To Prevent It

Despite everything that has happened to the class of 2020, there is one thing I know for sure. Our generation has developed skills that can only be achieved by being under a global pandemic. We may not be where we want to be right now, but our experience has made us stronger and smarter. The universe presented an uno-reverse card on our last move, but we can still win the game. And, it’s going to feel so much better when we do. ‘Cause we went through hell and back to get there.

Order your print copy of this month's MEGA Magazine:
Download this month's MEGA digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]