By Tahani Moksir, Angela Basarte, Krishna Elaurza, and Christina Bernados
Amidst the online classes, the virtual psycho-spiritual recollection of the Senior High School students of Philippine School Doha (PSD) never felt so invigorating when it happened through an online platform last August 20 and August 22, respectively. The program aimed to address the students’ concerns and promote the importance of mental health, self-reflection, and self-realization, as reflected by the theme: Letting Go and Looking Forward Amidst the Challenges in Life. Recollections serve as a period for reflection, especially for graduating students. In one’s last moments in this school, PSD allowed Seniors to learn more about the importance of mental health and well-being. The students eagerly looked forward to the event, with hopes that they would get new insights about themselves to reflect and reconnect within. The event, hosted by Monaliza P. Cayatoc, started with an opening liturgy by Ms. Alma Rosilon, followed by the welcoming remarks given by the Vice Principal of the Senior High School, Dr. Noemi F. Formaran. She talked about how recollections are the time for reflections, wherein students get to know themselves enough to set free the things they need to let go. She also stated that moving forward is about courage and accountability, which each should put in mind. In her speech, she tackled the difficulties of online classes with empathy for the students. Afterward, Ms. Marife M. Perlas gave a quick run-through of the house rules, and from there, Mr. Danilo N. Keh Jr. took over as the main speaker and facilitator of the event with two sessions.
The first session tackled mental health and the significance of addressing it as we give importance to other crises. It also emphasized the world’s harsh realities and talked about specific issues such as self-acceptance and toxic positivity. The speaker reminded the students that they should be in touch with their emotions to be able to grow into better persons. The presentation stressed that it is vital to connect, accept, respond, and empathize with oneself and others to improve mental health. The speaker also introduced the famed French proverb, ‘c’est la vie’, which translates to ‘all is fine’ in English. Through this phrase, he told students to accept certain circumstances and embrace all is well. After the first session, the students proceeded to their respective breakout rooms to reflect and share their struggles with their mental state and how they overcame them. Mr. Keh accentuated that the students should stay true to themselves in answering these questions. The second session focused on the students’ relationships with other people and how it could affect their way of life. It stressed the importance of love for people and how a lack of affection could cause a person to spread negativity. The speaker further emphasized that love gives life meaning and that life is all about relationships. Mr. Keh pointed out that there are individuals capable of draining the life out of a person. He advised the students to deal with them accordingly and ended his talk by affirming love as a mission in life.
After the second session, the program moved towards its end with closing remarks from Mr. Jerome B. Constantino, the Guidance Services Vice-Principal. After the events of recollection, he was reminded of the movie ‘The Day After Tomorrow.’ He compared how one of the film scientists gave the advice to stay inside, write it up, and pray, mirroring today’s situation with the pandemic. The event concluded with Dr. Sarah Kay W. Umbao leading the closing prayer. PSDians gained a new approach in life and a transformed mindset brought about by the life-changing lessons presented to them. The event gave the students a platform for openness and allowed them to embrace their psychological changes, which is a highly commendable act. Despite the ongoing pandemic, the students still managed to exemplify one of the school’s core values of being Pro-people individuals.