Mar 23, 2020
The Covid19 Pandemic and What it Means to Students
There is a non-stop, continuous feed of breaking news about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and how fast it’s changing our world by the second. As a human race, we are worried about the emotional and physical well-being of the people we love and feeling helpless for people whom we don’t even know because they’re suffering unimaginably. Instantaneously, we became aware of how much we have taken for granted during simpler times and how abruptly our daily behaviors have changed. We’re all coping with the uncertainty and fear of our new normal and how long this will last.
As students, it is easy to lose sight of what is important during a time like this. I have heard that, “in a crisis look for the good in people,” and once you do, you will start to notice the good everywhere. In the middle of all the uncertainty, I’m always encouraged when I hear and see the good in people at every opportunity. It provides a sense of hope, unity, and calm.
I came across a Facebook post about our school superintendent, Dr. Schoenfeld. He selflessly spent Friday Night driving around the neighborhood in a little yellow school bus, with driver Rattapol, making supply deliveries to his students. With the looming “Stay at Home” mandate, he recognized it was best to safely deliver these items himself.
This act of responsibility is more than just that; it demonstrates who Dr. Schoenfeld truly is. I suppose I’ve never stopped to really think about all that he does behind the scenes to manage the district, but I can appreciate that he conveys kindness and thoughtfulness through his actions. He has always been present and visible throughout the school year, in good times and bad, being mindful in supporting the student body.
As a member of the DECA club, we focus on analyzing pretend scenarios that will impact business operations, and we develop strategies to improve the outcome. However, these scenarios all seems so abstract to me because real people are not impacted by our decisions. Dr. Schoendfeld’s example reveals just how important it is to be able to adapt during a real-life crisis to do what it takes because it really matters and real people are affected.
In this moment of history, as we get ready to embark on our journey of learning remotely -- from now until whenever -- we will all have stories of teachers who have always gone the extra mile and are now doing just that and more. They are adapting quickly to develop lessons that will be productive, while also checking in on us to provide a sense of normalcy and connectedness during a time that can be socially isolating. We can expect the transition to be challenging for educators, students and parents alike since we’ll be figuring it out altogether, as we go.
To Dr. Schoenfeld, teachers, staff and essential workers, you are so important in our lives and we appreciate all the efforts you are making to create a successful transition. With every single action, from creating engaging lesson plans to driving around in a school bus to deliver resources, you are finding ways to stay connected through the social distancing and providing a sense of perseverance. You remind us that although a lot of things have changed, not everything has. It’s reassuring that we can rely on strong leadership and the goodness in people to get us through this. Your guidance will have an everlasting impact, long after this pandemic.
Thank you all for showing us the application of solving real-life problems, in real-time. Your students are ready to do their part. Let’s make tomorrow better together!
Thank goodness for the good that can be seen everywhere!