Studying in Ruins

Every time I enter the classroom, ready for another day of learning, a feeling of despair and disappointment always seems to float by. Before I even take a few steps in, a door with no handle blocks my way, the smell of mold fills my lungs, and the broken windows that always let the cold creep in send shivers down my spine. Personally, it is puzzling—disheartening even. Why are we students, the supposed future of the nation, subjected to such cruel treatment?

Across the country, buildings are crumbling; the pillars that are supposedly the symbolization of resiliency and support are barely holding up—seemingly going to fall at any given moment. Many school infrastructures are not only outdated but also poorly maintained. Without urgent repairs, these conditions pose a potential safety hazard to students and staff.

This problem is not only present in old buildings. Even some newly built classrooms already have mold in every corner due to water damage caused by the lack of maintenance to the water pipes. Water systems are neglected, leading to structural damage and health risks. Such environments are unacceptable for learning and should be prioritized for improvement, as they resemble a prison more than a place of education.

The neglect doesn't stop at infrastructures. Let's talk about digital equipment or the lack thereof. The reality is, many schools still lack digital equipment. And even if there is, it would still be either low quality or just an old desktop from 2010. Schools are underfunded, leading to outdated and insufficient educational materials. This lack of resources impedes students' ability to learn effectively.

Now we go over classroom equipment. And here's the thing: it gets worse. Chairs are squeaking, with some having missing legs. Desks have missing bolts, causing them to dismantle at any second. Our books are outdated. Electric fans don't spin unless you pray to them. Windows are cracked. We even have flickering light bulbs that can be a potential fire hazard. The lack of proper investment in school equipment results in unsafe and inadequate educational tools. Students deserve a decent learning environment with reliable resources to facilitate their education.

I often ask myself, "Don't we deserve a better learning environment?" "Why are we letting ourselves enter a deteriorating structure unfit for learning?" There is a widespread acceptance of subpar conditions, which must change.

Students should advocate for improvements and seek accountability from those responsible for maintaining educational facilities. At this point, it's not a matter of being choosy; it's the truth that no one seems to acknowledge. What's the point of spending all this money building infrastructure that can't even hold up for 50 years? Poor construction and maintenance practices lead to wasteful spending and short-lived buildings. Investment in high-quality construction and regular maintenance is necessary to ensure long-lasting educational facilities.

During the winter months, everything worsens. The broken windows always let the cold wind inside, making the room feel more like a freezer than a place to study. The lack of functional windows and heating compromises the comfort and health of students.

Adequate heating and proper insulation are essential for a conducive learning environment. Inside, we feel like frozen meat, enduring the cold, with our only remedy being jackets, which we provided on our own. Students are forced to bring their own solutions to deal with inadequate facilities. Schools should provide a warm and safe environment, not rely on students to fend for themselves.

When summer comes, the heat becomes unbearable. The classroom becomes an oppressive environment that further levels up the already challenging conditions for learning. The lack of functional air conditioning or proper ventilation turns the room into a virtual oven, where concentration and comfort are nearly impossible to achieve. Without relief from the heat, students find it difficult to focus on their studies, leading to decreased productivity and engagement.

This intense heat poses not only a distraction but also a health risk, with the potential for heat exhaustion or dehydration among students. Addressing the issue of heat with effective cooling solutions is essential to ensure a conducive and safe learning environment, where students can thrive without the burden of extreme temperatures.

Let's not forget about the restrooms. Clean and functional restrooms are a basic necessity and should be prioritized in school maintenance. Yet, toilets are clogged, water leaks from the tubes, and even the drainage is so poorly maintained that miniature floods keep on happening. Poor plumbing and lack of regular maintenance lead to unsanitary conditions. Ensuring working restrooms is crucial for student health and dignity.

Some might argue that the focus should be on educational content rather than facilities and equipment, but all we ask is a suitable place to learn, a safe haven where we don't have to worry about the bone-piercing cold, the suffocating smell of mold, or even the fear of the classroom crumbling and crushing us.

We need to wake up and realize that the current state of our learning environment is dire, with crumbling infrastructure, lacking equipment, and unsanitary facilities that fail to meet even the basic needs of us students. These conditions not only hinder our educational experience but also compromise our safety and well-being.

At the end of the day, we need to start fixing classrooms and stop wasting money. The government should address these issues to create a nurturing and supportive environment that truly reflects the belief that the youth are the future hope of our nation. Let us not let ourselves study in ruins any longer.