Graduation During the Pandemic By Ma. Melanie L. Padohinog I was very excited to complete my sixth grade. But that feeling was suddenly replaced with worry when our country was hit by COVID- 19. The situation was frightening. It has worsened when the said virus has become a pandemic. People began to panic. Others hoarded foods and hygiene materials from grocery stores. Students stopped schooling. Senior citizens and children below 18 years old were not allowed to go outside of their homes. Those who were allowed needed to wear face masks and follow health protocols such as social distancing and washing of hands with soap and water and using alcohol every now and then. One day, while I was watering the plants in our backyard garden, I received a call coming from my class adviser. "Hello, dear. Good morning. It is with a heavy heart to inform you that your completion program for this school year will be suspended due to COVID-19. I suggest you stay at home and be safe," my teacher told me. "Hello, Ma'am. Good morning. I am sad to hear that but we could do nothing about it anymore. We'll just pray that this pandemic ends soon. Thank you, Ma'am, for calling," I said. The news really broke my heart. I asked myself "Why are these things happening now?" hear it. I told my parents about the sad news. They too were unhappy to "Don't worry, my child, everything will be back to normal in God's perfect time. Let's just trust Him," my Dad said. Summer came. I still hoped for our completion program in school but it did not happen. Luckily, our teachers thought of a "house to house" distribution of our certificates and awards. "Issac, do receive your certificate of completion and your award as "With High Honors" I am happy to tell you that you topped your class this school year. Congratulations!" my adviser announced happily. "Wow! Congratulations, my son. Your Dad and I are very proud of you. Let's celebrate then!" Mom excitedly said. I am really grateful that despite the pandemic, we have successfully completed our elementary education. Elements of the Story Answer 1. Character(s) 2. Setting 3. Plot 4.Theme 5.Point of View

1. Characters: In the story "Graduation During the Pandemic" by Ma. Melanie L. Padohinog, the main character is the narrator, a sixth-grade student who faces challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Other characters include the class adviser, the parents (Dad and Mom), and possibly other students and teachers mentioned in the narrative.

2. Setting: The setting of the story is during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the protagonist's country is affected by the virus. The events take place in the protagonist's home, specifically in the backyard garden, and later on during the "house to house" distribution of certificates and awards by teachers.

3. Plot: The plot revolves around the protagonist's excitement to complete sixth grade, the impact of the pandemic on daily life, the suspension of the completion program at school, and the eventual distribution of certificates and awards to students at their homes.

4. Theme: The theme of the story revolves around resilience, adaptation, and hope during challenging times. It highlights the importance of staying positive, trusting in a better future, and celebrating achievements despite adversities.

5. Point of View: The story is narrated in the first-person point of view, where the protagonist shares their personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings throughout the events unfolding due to the pandemic.

These elements work together to convey the challenges faced by the protagonist and their journey towards completing their elementary education despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic.