Academic Breather: Concierto en la Universidad
Before the pandemic, university concerts have always been a much-awaited event in universities. Students save their money, patiently wait in line, and prepare their best outfits for the once-in-a-year experience inside the campus – taking this as an academic breather.
As the restrictions with the coronavirus ease, many wonders when we will get to relive the thrilling experience of university concerts on different campuses especially those who have missed music festivals.
Music festivals: An academic breather
A much-needed break from academic
Is it just me or does music really reduce stress? All year round, students are bombarded with never-ending deadlines to beat, activities to finish, and exams to pass. Hence, a music festival inside the university would serve as a ceasefire in a bloody battle of academic requirements.
It is a great way to remind ourselves that there is so much more inside our university than academic endeavors. It is a pause that students should have.
Entertainment for a cause
Aside from the enjoyment that it brings, university concerts are usually held to promote a cause or a fight. For example, the last PUP ignite was organized to gather funds to help the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020.
By organizing university concerts for a cause we are showing that our university is an active supporter of music, art, and social change or movement. After all, time has proved that music has a way of bringing people closer together.
Strengthening the sense of culture and community
Singing along to the music of our favorite bands inside our Sintang Paaralan will surely strengthen our sense of culture and community. Having a shared experience with your fellow scholars will surely create a positive atmosphere among students inside the university.
Knowing that you are surrounded by schoolmates that share the same love for music creates a deeper love for your colleagues and university.
A core memory
You cannot be a college student forever. At some point, you will leave the university— your favorite places and the familiar faces will soon be just a glimpse of a good memory. You may not see it, but one day, you will look back and thank your younger version of you for allowing yourself to enjoy the chance you had with your friends that comes once every single academic year.
One day, you’ll get a notification from your social media and see the photos you have uploaded, it will put a smile on your face knowing that it is a memory that is yours forever to keep.
Processing the impact of the pandemic on academic
This might sound strange but I think that university concerts can be a way for students and everyone inside the campus to process the impact of the pandemic, especially since it was one of the last events that we were able to do before the pandemic.
For a couple of years, we have been looking forward to being inside our respective classrooms, face-to-face with our classmates and teachers every new academic year. Yet, because of the pandemic we had to endure two long years of remote learning constantly checking our peers through messaging apps, hoping that one day we will get to see them.
A university concert can be our symbol of victory over the pandemic. It is a reminder that we are back, and that we can jump, shout, and hold our peers closer while listening to our favorite bands.
