Message to All Fellow NETWORK Foundation Students


Here is a very outgoing message to all NETWORK Foundation students, for staying at home during these (temporary difficult times). This is brought to you by Mr Ory Collins (member of our Student Family and active Student Ambassador).
Thank you Ory.

Hello everyone! I know these are difficult times, but we all need to be strong…

I’m sure you all remember back when we were all gobsmacked when China placed a series of cities under lockdown in January to stem the spread of COVID-19.

But over the past few weeks, cities, states, and countries around the world have similarly restricted people’s movement in order to stop this virus spreading.

Some people, who’ve been exposed to the virus, have to stay home for 14 days in self isolation. Other communities are full of people who don’t have documented exposure to the virus, but have still been told to stay at home to help slow the pandemic.

We are not ALONE. People around the world are feeling rudderless and adrift. There’s conflicting information about the pandemic – but it’s not just about health. People losing their jobs, feeling frightened, being isolated at home, worried about their loved ones and wondering what the next day will bring. But please, we must all bear in mind that this is not the end of the world!

We must all make ethical decisions in this pandemic.

Should I take that second pack of toilet paper for my family, or leave it for the next person?

Should essential workers stay home to protect themselves?

The more we read, the more anxious we become.

In times like these it’s easy to spiral into anxiety, I know. But my aim in writing this article is to actually show you that even though we are #stayinghome (hopefully) we can still be productive and creative!

So, what is there to do while stuck indoors? I’ve compiled some suggestions to help make your time in quarantine as interesting – and perhaps even as productive – as possible.

  1. Meditate. Try lying down with your eyes closed, palms up and focus on your breathing. Or spend 20 minutes sitting cross-legged and think happy thoughts. Reinvent yourself!
  2. Face masks, moisturizer, oh my! Treat yourself to that 10-step skin care routine you don’t have time for during a normal NET…week.
  3. And speaking of time… Get some sleep (we don’t have school, most of us at least, so make the most of it!!)
  4. Obviously, STUDY … do not forget the deadlines for our assignments. Most of us are taking IELTS at some point, am I right? Make Ms Myrto, Ms Margarita and Mr Alex proud by doing the homework they’ve given you !!
  5. Try on all your clothes and see whether they “spark joy” á la Marie Kondo (check her out on google). In general, tidy up! For sure, once we’re out, our homes will be cleaner and tidier than ever before…!
  6. For me, this is the most important; use Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts to video chat with your friends and loved ones. (BONUS: Pour a glass of wine, sit on your balcony and chat. It’s a nice experience, believe me!)
  7. Interview your grandparents (over the phone, of course) and save the audio. Can you create an audio story or book with that file? It’s a great way to actually learn about where you come from!
  8. Open up those dusty cookery books you’ve got, and try out new recipes that will impress your future flatmates. It’s a good way to save some money on delivery too 😉
  9. Do some exercise! Nobody wants to gain weight, am I right? It’s a good way to prepare for the beach (quite a few apps are free, check them out!).
  10. Finally, why not text all your exes just in case you have one more thing you wanted to get off your chest … now’s your chance !!!

And remember …

Stay Healthy!  Stay Safe!  Stay Home!

Article by: Ory Collins, 30 March, 2020