Changes in School Life: A Look from Past to Present
Once upon a time, school was a place where every day was a new adventure, filled with learning, respect, and discipline. Students would spend their whole day soaking in knowledge like sponges, from 7 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon. But now, things have shifted. Students today often find themselves attending school for just a half day, either from 6 to 11 in the morning or from 11 to 4 in the afternoon.
Back in the day, not paying your fees meant you couldn’t take your exams. Today, it seems you can skip paying and still not take your exams. Honor rolls used to be exclusive to the top three students in class – first, second, and third place. Now, everyone has the chance to be honored. Catching up wasn’t a concern back then because students were on top of their reading. However, now there’s a need for “Catch Up Friday” to help everyone keep up.
There used to be a fear of missing a day of school. But today, some students proudly announce when they’re going to skip a day. Helping teachers with what they carried was a norm; now, it seems, the respect has lessened. Students’ mothers would go out of their way to make sure they had notebooks. Now, someone else takes on that responsibility. A single subject could fill up two notebooks before, but today, filling up even half a notebook is a challenge.
In the past, parents felt embarrassed if a teacher called them in. Now, some parents argue with the teacher instead. If a child failed, the child was scolded. Today, it’s the teacher who faces criticism if a student fails. Students once felt ashamed to ask teachers for grade adjustments they didn’t deserve. Now, there’s no shame in asking for a grade bump to get honors, regardless of actual performance.
Christian Gerundio Yocte shared these observations in a viral social media post, reflecting on the evolution of student life from past to present. While some of these points stem from personal experiences as both a student and now as a teacher, they paint a broader picture of how the educational landscape has transformed.
STUDENTS SAUNA UG KARON 
Reflection
Christian Gerundio Yocte’s post serves as a mirror reflecting the vast changes in educational and behavioral attitudes over generations. It’s a blend of nostalgia, humor, and critique, illustrating how the dynamics between teachers, students, and parents have evolved. This evolution signifies not just a shift in educational policies and practices but also in societal values and priorities. While it’s easy to yearn for the “good old days” of discipline and diligence, it’s essential to understand that each generation faces its unique challenges and opportunities. Perhaps the shift towards inclusivity and understanding in education reflects a broader societal move towards recognizing diverse needs and backgrounds. However, the essence of respect, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge should remain central themes in education, no matter the era. Yocte’s reflections encourage us to ponder what we value in our educational journey and how we can nurture an environment that respects the past while embracing the future. – Mark | Helpline PH
