My flight reached Manila at 8 p.m; so it was in the night. Just 6 hours back, I was with my family, but now I’m all alone in this foreign land. Compared to my country, I refer to Manila as a jungle of buildings that would bend your head backward, touching your spine if you’re trying to look up to their tops. 

Just like bringing a new puppy to your house, it gets to adapt to the environment, gets used to the smell of its owners, the food, etc. I felt like I was somewhat similar. Upon arrival, everything seemed strange. The food was tasteless in my mouth, I lost my appetite, and I could only feel satisfied by quenching my thirst with water. The only thing that differentiates me from a puppy is that I could never let my companion leave my sight if we’re traveling, be it at the mall, school, or park; the puppy would never feel as if he was astray, but it was a horrifying thought for me.

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When I started attending classes, I barely managed. I wish I came a semester early to observe and get used to the student life here because everything seemed to go fast; my body clock wasn’t even adjusted yet. I was simply devastated and didn’t know how to explain when my professors asked why I’m missing classes. I enjoyed learning Tagalog though and sometimes found it funny.  I took courses on basic Tagalog with other foreign students, and some of my Filipino classmates even taught me basic phrases. I started to make new friends, too. That’s when I felt like I was beginning to belong, but then the news came. 

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In early February of 2020, when the first cases of COVID-19 sprung, I realized that everything would change. All the privileges of studying with friends, eating outside, basically the freedom to move around and attend classes were all on hold. Face-to-face classes were already tricky for me, but doing it online was a double hardship, especially with the language barrier. During group works, my classmates and I would communicate in chat, but they would usually use Tagalog so I couldn’t understand them. I knew it was hard for them to speak in English, too, so I was afraid to ask. One struggle I faced living away from my family during the pandemic was that it affected them, too. When things get tough back home (because of lockdown), I don’t usually get my allowance on time.

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Nonetheless, like any other person who coped with these changes in the community, I also managed to prioritize what’s important. I make sure I’m intact with the activities and synchronous classes and try my best to work with classmates. Some of them are really kind;  they would usually chat with me on Messenger to see if I’m well. My neighbors also encourage me to ask them for food if ever I run out. All of these people are really a blessing to me and so living in a foreign land during these times doesn’t seem so hard after all.