Student asks permission to leave in the middle of online class to climb downhill to charge his device

A college teacher posted the problems and difficulties her students are facing with online learning in social media and has gone viral.

Photo credit: gmanetwork.com

On Monday while she was on her first day of online class, a student suddenly asked for permission to log out in the middle of the lesson, according to Hazel Villa, a professor at West Visayas State University in Iloilo.

They were on a group chat on Facebook, so she questioned why her student would be gone all of a sudden.

Sabi niya, 'Kasi po mam, ano, mauubos na 'yung baterya ko.' [Sabi ko] 'E di mag-charge ka.' Tipong taray ko pa di ba, mawawalan ka ng baterya eh di mag-charge ka. Common sense naman 'yan,

Villa said.

[The student said, because Ma'am, my battery is running out. Then I told him in an ill-tempered way to just charge, he’ll definitely lose battery if he doesn’t charge, that’s common sense.]

However, little did the teacher know that the student was on top of the mountain for internet connectivity. Obviously, the student had no access for a power outlet and that he would need to trek downhill and head home to charge his gadget.

The student promised that he would be back to attend other classes as soon as his phone’s battery is full.

The teacher was taken aback when she learned the student’s situation, especially when the student sent her a photo of them in a makeshift hut with iron sheet roofing.

After knowing the real situation of her student, she was soon overwhelmed with emotions, after that some of her students came forward with their source of troubles. When it’s raining, for example, it makes the climb more difficult, while lightning often sends them running downhill in fear of getting struck.

Teacher Hazel couldn’t help but cry and feel pity for her students which prompted her to write her students’ experiences and difficulties in distance learning on the social media. It went viral soon after. She was then asked to send the help and donations such as cash and battery packs for the students donated by the netizens.

Villa said those who are capable of studying at the comfort of their home should be thankful about their situation when asked for her message to other students amid the pandemic.

Napakahirap pong umakyat ng bundok," she said. "Kailangan n'yo ng strong legs, magpainit at magpaulan para lang po makakuha kayo ng education. So please count yourselves blessed,

she added.

[It is very difficult to climb a mountain. You need strong legs, you'll experience heat and rain just to get an education. So please count yourselves blessed.]