Camaraderie and unity amidst the pandemic

The Collegiate Immaculate

The prohibition imposed by the government on educational institutions barred students from conducting both academic and non-academic activities. For almost a year, students and teachers are confined in their homes. However, the current setup did not hinder educational institutions here and abroad in forging partnerships to develop sportsmanship and camaraderie, even in the virtual realm. This was manifested in the recently concluded Asian University Virtual Friendship Games (AUniVFG).

In pursuit of building stronger connections, the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), along with its partner universities in the ASEAN region, took collaborative action in conducting the virtual event, which provided cultural interaction with various programs and friendly competition which highlighted the student’s skills and talents.

The most anticipated event mainly relied on digital technology. Hence, the poor internet connectivity of the students was another key challenge that ascended. Apart from this current pandemic assault, the intrusion brought on by this issue is not fresh and is still one of the contributors to the students’ daily trials. This challenge, however, did not impede the event’s progress.

Since this event included students outside the university’s border, cultural differences and gaps were also evident. However, regardless of this barrier, this opened opportunities for the bridging of gaps and offered activities and events that helped strengthen the relationships between the students. This event was never grounded on the rivalry as it invigorated empowerment that allowed recognizing differences and embracing every individual’s uniqueness while also permitting a much more welcoming diversity.

Bringing forth students for catalytic change, the online pageantry aimed to connect people with different backgrounds, values, cultures, traditions, and identities. The online event emerged not only as a way for the school to strengthen its goal of globalization and internationalization but also to celebrate harmonious relationships and individuality among and with other Asian universities.