It has been a long 10 months for all of us this year, 2020. Trying to cope with this new norm, feel fear all the time and to handle security in everything is no longer there. Economic recession, unstable politic, and to secure a stable job; all of these gone in a blink of an eye. Below are my insights regarding this matter.
Studying and graduated in 2020
I was in my final semester in Bachelor in Commerce in Tourism, Hospitality and Marketing. Studied at Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak. My class started the end of February, but I came in late as to fulfil my internship period. The news of COVID-19 has been in the news since early of last year, but no one knew that it will be this devastating and dangerous. After finishing my internship, I only get to join my classes early of March. Then the news came in where on the 18th of March, Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented in Malaysia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. I only had the chance to go for my class for two weeks only, and the campus was closed. The students were afraid and wanted to go back to their respective hometown, but with the travel restrictions, no one can do so. Airfare tickets got so expensive, I was hesitant to go about considering I'm on my final semester. There's too much in my mind that time due to the thought of managing myself. So, at last, I didn't go back due to that reason and some other personal reason. The MCO imposed by the government of Malaysia was initially only for two weeks, but it got extended due to the cases keeps on rising at that time.
It's been a roller coaster the whole period of studying and staying in Miri for four months alone in this pandemic. My sister and I are actually roommates, but she managed to go back home before the first MCO were imposed. March went by just like that, and April came, so do the other months. Being trapped inside a room, trying to motivate me and not to procrastinate doing my assignments was very hard. Other than that, doing groceries and wearing a mask, keeping the social distance was so weird. After all, I am still grateful that I get to do my online classes despite everything.
Being in the final semester, I have planned to go out with my friends before the semester ends to make some memories. However, due to this pandemic, we all know we cannot even go out. Then when the semester ends by July, finally the travel restrictions were a bit lenient. As for precaution, maintaining social distance and wearing a mask was still heavily implemented. I remember going to Miri Airport the queue was so long just for baggage drop. There only three counters were opened, and before going to the waiting hall, we must take our temperature. It was so chaotic that some people did not follow the procedure and ended up queueing again before boarding. It was terrifying to board on a plane at that time because of the fear of getting the virus, and also I am leaving Miri after four years of studying there. All those memories of studying in Miri and meeting with people.
Then in July, I have received good news whereby I am officially graduated! I am happy and blessed after all those years, but this is where the reality kicks in.
Finding a job
Even before knowing the good news, I have already applied to several companies seeking for job opportunities. Unfortunately, being in the field of Tourism, we all know tourism worldwide has been impacted heavily by this pandemic. I was trying my luck if at least I get to work in any tour operators or in hotels, but I did not get any replies from those company that I have sent my application. Applied for government sector too, still, there is no good news until now. I have submitted my applications to any companies that are hiring in the marketing field, which is my field of study too. However, seeing the job description made me scared of working because of the pressure of a marketer would be. Nevertheless, there is one thing that made me motivated to conquer my daily life and keep on going. Wait for the next post to know more :)
Till then,
Easter