How the BIBAK Youth are coping during Covid-19 Part 1
Spring then Summer, and it’s been over a year amidst the global pandemic…
Here are some of what the young people of our community had to say about these interesting times - Part 1
Thalia –
How was last year for you?
I still remember when Covid-19 was introduced as a pandemic (this was way back in January), and I recall how paranoid I was, I started wearing mask that exact same day. I remember how I was the only one in the bus wearing them and people would constantly give me looks, no one would to sit beside me. Now, it’s the opposite. Everybody’s wearing them and it became the norm. Everyone struggled since you need to cope with sudden rapid changes. I was a contractual worker that time and the work was only till February. I struggled looking for a job since a lot of jobs were either laying off or much more meticulously with hiring than usual. Like any problem, you struggle at first, then you adjust slowly and eventually cope up. Thanks to my friends and family, I wouldn’t know what to do without them. Also, being updated on news and knowing what’s happening around you helps you to be prepared and at some point, it gives you sense of hope, knowing that it’ll be over and it too shall pass. Also, following safety protocols made it easier not only for myself but for everyone else.
So Thalia what did you do in the first months during most of the lock down?
Well I was just at home most of the time. I only got to go out when we go grocery shopping then Liway offered me a job then shortly after, we moved to Salmon Arm and that was November.
What was on your mind most of the time that year was going on?
I had a lot of uncertainty and I was scared. I was also sad because a lot of our plans were cancelled. I also felt annoyed especially with the first phase of the pandemic, when we all wanted it to end but a lot of people were not following the protocols and guidelines. I felt staying positive seems to be unattainable. Composure was needed but I can’t be able to do it alone without the help of the people I love.
What were your plans last year that was cancelled? And what has changed in your life since last year? How has your life changed for the better since the start of it?
Me and my cousins were planning to travel last September. My Mom also wanted to go to the Philippines last summer to take care of some papers. I was also planning to study earlier last year but didn’t continue with enrolling since the program originally requires a lot of in-person classes. I don’t wanna do it online since I have trouble learning that way or at least that’s what I think so.
Although it wasn’t always misery and sadness that the pandemic has caused. I get to bond more with my cousins who just happened to arrived in the beginning of pandemic. We were also able to mortgage a house and moved right away. Also, moving to Okanagan has never been better, it was a fresh start as well and it also happened that the program I wanted to take in Vancouver is a lot cheaper here and I’m glad I was in time for the program. Lowkey promoting Okanagan hahahahaha!
*****
(Anonymous) –
How was last your for you?
Not healthy. I became a drunkard every weekend. *awkward emoji*
LOL! How about work kabsat? Okay diay?
Still ok
Ti BIBAK what did you wish we did if not for the Pandemic?
If its not pandemic maybe we’re still doing what we've started. And maybe we (would have) already learn a lot and master some dances and gongs. And maybe we would have already traveled a lot.
These are things you wish we did?
Yup
*****
(Anonymous) –
How was last year for you?
But last year eh... it was depressing *awkward emoji*. I fell out of love, got my heartbroken I guess, didn’t continue pursuing school, couldn’t save up money since I had to pay my families bills and my bills at the same time, working 2 jobs which I needed to stay positive for since I needed to supervise people… had a hard time sleeping, probably because I’m overthinking what to do in life or the day I just had, being mentally drained from sleep deprivation and exhaustion, ignoring my basic essential needs and want; forgetting to shower, change of clothes, wash my clothes, spent most days working and in bed having a hard time sleeping, I stopped doing the things I love, looking for the need to change myself. Which did not workout since I don’t enjoy it, I seem to hate every single aspect of changing the person I am sooo... well that’s a portion of whatever BS I’m going through. This is like the other side of me which are being worked on and have been worked on, so no worries.
How was last year?.. well I met new people and met up with the old people that gave me joy, I learned a lot.. self-love, I have been working out what I want in my space, ignoring and leaving disturbance in my peace. I try to make other people’s day when I only deemed needed because I need now to focus on myself.. I have been slowly getting back to creating content, playing games more, enjoying anime and movies for my entertainment, this are the things I love.. I’ve been going out more and exploring places trying new things, instead of hating on how I try to change, I should keep exploring so that I have a better understanding of myself.. slowly learning to love myself, so that I could share that to someone soon, the idea of a companion isn’t so bad as I thought...
What else has changed because of last year? What plans did you have that didn’t come into fruition, and what’s a good thing that’s come from the past year?
I learn to be more comfortable, specially with people. Set boundaries and know my intentions, not just whatever. I tend to act a certain way to different folks just to match with them. I just adjust myself. I’m still the silent and awkward guy who’ll support anyway he can. That’s me. I was planning to be more open to the idea of school; picking a course, any course to just get me a degree. Shit happens and I focused on something else. That’s all.
One of the good things from last year is that I get to experience many different things mentally/emotionally that I was afraid to experience a few years back *smiley face*
*****
Manay –
What are your thoughts and experience throughout last year? Any insights?
The conjecture for 2020 was very promising especially with the high demand in all industries. Unfortunately, Covid-19 killed this opportunity and Canada went to lockdown for the rest of 2020 and I was left but nothing to do. Boredom grew so much in me by mid 2020 as I couldn’t travel as much as I used to. That’s why I decided to quit my fulltime job even though it was mid-pandemic. fortunately I was employed right after and even kicked off a salary that pays more than double of my previous paycheck. There was nothing else to do but work due to travel restrictions, which drifts myself away from unnecessary spending and kept my expenses at minimum. I was able to put more on my savings and grew my investments tenfold.
Tell me more about your investing experience aha, and how has that benefited you since last year?
What seems selfish but so much better is that I discovered investing as my newfound passion, despite others having struggles in this global pandemic. By the end of 2020, I was shocked how much my net worth has grown. I transitioned from such a big spender to a total investor junkie. I started sharing my investing tips on my social media platform, and family and friends ask me what are good investment opportunities I could teach them. Overtime I decided to create an investing course for beginners and it was the best decision I have made so far. It was quiet costly for some but I have received great feedbacks from clients and told me I charge so cheap on such valuable knowledge I was sharing. I find it as a good start on newfound career. I do plan to keep my investing journey at a maximum and I don’t think I am stopping anytime soon.
QQQ
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Ultimately since talking with just a few in our community, despite the downturn which was last year (essentially a write off), There has been much to be said about how some of us have coped if not benefited during last year. Note, more than a few have experienced much distraught in the past year considering the circumstances. However, It has to be highlighted the graciousness that has been expressed by those that have shared their words.
Though last year was a “write off”, it ought to be written that some of good things have come through, albeit in unexpected circumstances, or through pure grit in the white wash of struggle. One of the main things I wanted to highlight was the emphasis on family, and the contentment of being. Life keeps moving forward and time does not stop, neither do we.
Owag!
