Augustinian Interns’ Challenges Amidst the Pandemic

`Face to face setting may be hard especially since students became used to the online setting during the pandemic. The pandemic made it hard for the management to decide whether they would allow the students of Political Science to have an on the job training face to face or not. Thus, Political Science students took the initiative to look for their respective offices which they can work to. An interview was done to know how some of the students in San Agustin University adjust in their on the job training as Political Science Students. Desiree Lois Prieto one of the interviewees which works in the Municipality of Lauaan, claimed that she had to live in her Uncle’s house since it is more convenient because it is near her office. Desiree claimed that working while studying is indeed exhausting and requires a strict time management. In her words she said that she find it hard to adjust with the schedule, “kapoy man ang magtuon tapos may thesis pa kag may ojt” which means, “it is tiring to attend your classes with thesis and OJT”. Moreover, she had difficulties with her obligations which included typing a permit letter, and receiving requests from guests in the office of the Mayor. This is because, the secretary of the Mayor is not computer literate, which added to her work and additional stress that sometimes causes her to work overtime Chryzza Isiderio, who works as intern in Iloilo City Hall in the Office of Atty. Parcon, added that she find it hard to find office that accepts interns in the offices since it is the pandemic. She said, if finding an office is already a challenge, working as an official intern is another subject. During her first day, she was conflicted on how to present herself int he office, what are her responsibilities, and her boundaries as an intern. “Du wala abi may ga orient simo ano ang ubrahon” she said, which means that “there is no one who oriented her what are her duties as an intern”. She also entioned the complexity of adjusting to the different personalities, and nature of the staffsinside the office that made her sometimes uncomfortable. Uncomfortable inaway that personal space can be invaded by some people that can cause“awkwardness” because it is the opposite gender. It cannot be avoided that sometimes the pressure also crept into her at night because it is her last year, and she doesn’t want to make her presence a burden inside the office. Although they faced challenges, some of the things that comforted them is the warmth of the friendship that eases their exhausting day as an intern and students at night. Unwinding also helped them face their day to day challenges such as going for walks near the their offices. Chryzza said that, “ay du hindi man gid bug at dal on kay hindi lang man ako ang nakapoy gale” which she find it very comforting in her place, it means that “oh, I’m not the only one suffering in this situation so it’s not that heavy to deal with”.