By Nur Syarina 

The pandemic changed a lot of things in our lives – from being able to go out whenever we want to being stuck at home due to the MCO and from being able to attend physical classes to attending online classes. These changes seemed bearable at first but as we stay cooped up at home, we start to lose the little of the sanity we had left. Luckily for us, we have our friends to get us by. It seems odd to have such a significant bond with someone you have only met online, but the pandemic made that possible. I would never have thought that I would find the best of friends despite only meeting them in our online classes. Although we only talk through video calls and use chat applications, the bond that is built is still pure. Call me old-fashioned, but the idea of befriending someone through an online class seems baffling. However, it has turned out to become a very common occurrence nowadays. It is upsetting that the current generation’s version of hanging out now is through video or voice calls. Of course, it does not change the genuineness of the friendship, especially in these trying times but I am eternally grateful to be where I am now in my life with these amazing people. All I am saying is that the pandemic took a lot from us, but it also came with a lesson. I hope it all goes away soon, and that we can continue to strive to become better people. Also, thank you to the many friends I have made in HMC. I really appreciate your friendship, so here is a little poem for you!  

Waddling into University, 

eyes bright and glued 

to the gates that open to something new. 

Unsure and afraid  

of the reality I might face, 

then I saw you, a stranger, across the street. 

Just a face of the ordinary, 

now you are all I seek 

when my days are weary. 

A smile from you could wash away my blues, 

your laugh would make my heart swoon. 

Our friendship was built unexpectedly, 

I guess we are just two souls that are meant to be.