By Robert Mish ’21 and Henry Weatherford ’21
It seems as if everything is terrible right now. Recently, President Donald Trump increased his death toll prediction from 60,000 to 100,000; more than 30 million Americans are unemployed: the stock market had been antsy for weeks. Because of such negativity, we asked several teachers what good had come out of this pandemic. Here are their responses:
“I have had much more time to spend with my grandchildren (ages almost 3, 2 1/2, 4 1/2). I keep them three days a week so their parents can work. Also I have cleaned out my closet and attic! My husband has traveled most weeks for his job for the past 35 years, and now he is home all week. My next project is to learn how to cook. Before the close of the economy, we ate out all the time!”
— Mrs. Vicki Hurt, science teacher
“In an age where anyone can acquire information about anything at a moment's notice, the emphasis has to be on helping students learn what to do with that information, to discern what information is valid or better than other information, etc. Also, students in this model of distance learning have to be more independent. They have to be more active, more inquisitive or curious. This too is a tough ask but it is actually what professionals tell us about what they are looking for in young people when they are hiring: intellectually curious people with flexibility and adaptability, and a willingness to fail, learn and try again.”
— Mr. Tony Szymendera, Upper School head
“I have found joy watching my usually quiet neighborhood come alive. In lieu of the frantic rush from one activity to another, families bike and walk together. As I walk familiar streets, I spy children wallowing in creeks, fishing, shooting hoops. The slower pace and home-based focus remind me of life growing up. Yes, I am a boomer, and yes, that was decades ago. I think about the earth healing itself. I bake bread. I watch the birds feasting in a rustic wooden feeder my dad made. I take deep breaths. I give thanks that today my family is safe and healthy, all under one roof. So much looms with uncertainty, and I struggle to adjust to a different rhythm. But I have this moment, and I try to lean in.”
— Mrs. Kathleen Thomas, Upper School journalism teacher
“I have been able to spend this time with my son. It is difficult at times keeping a boy just under the age of 2 happy and entertained every minute, but the time that I have been able to spend with him has been priceless. This is not time that you normally get and I am grateful. I'm not sure what if anything he will remember, but I certainly will, and I hope that somewhere in his subconscious memory we are building lifelong connections. My yard is looking better and better every day. Killing weeds, regrowing grass, landscaping, building gardens, trimming trees, building a new shed. Most of this stuff I wouldn't have much time to do. [I also have] greater appreciation for my friends and family. It has been hard not seeing them and this has made me more aware of how important they are. As a history teacher, I hope this informs future decisions involving preparation for these types of emergencies.”
— Mr. Scott Van Arsdale, Upper School history teacher
“I suspect that the working world will be forever changed.Once we return to 'normal' (the old normal), employers in an array of industries will realize that much productive work can be done remotely — and that some specific kinds of work simply can't be done as effectively in a remote setting. I imagine that many employees will voice a strong desire to be able to do at least some of their work remotely — and, presumably, be more engaged with their family life.
“Tech midgets (like me) are being forced to use technology in a host of ways beyond their prior personal comfort zones — and they will learn how to use various apps effectively (or at least they will be more likely to learn how to use those apps).”
— Mr. Jay Wood, Upper School English chair
“I predict a growth in empathy towards each other locally, nationally and worldwide. Large scale catastrophes like this one or world wars, for example, affect every member of our society, and this level of shared experience cannot be underestimated. We often bemoan the sorry state of humanity, but all sorts of people are checking in on neighbors, reaching out to each other, helping and making sacrifices even for strangers. We are weird animals, but sometimes we can shine, and it is in these moments that our lights are brightest.”
— Mrs. Elsa Woodaman, Upper School world languages teacher
“Certainly this is a difficult time, but I hope that we are using it to dig into something deeper than ourselves. Life is filled with challenges, both great and small, and they have the power to transform us from the inside out. During adversity, we have to look beyond ourselves for meaning and comfort, and my prayer is that we are all finding ways and taking the opportunity to do so.”
— Mrs. Karen Wray, Upper School French and religion teacher
“Practicing cooking! Cooking is a creative process. Every meal, I can make something different in smell, taste, texture, and color. I enjoy it a great deal when I see my husband liking meals I prepared and when I see myself improve in my skills.”
— Mrs. Hanna Zhu, Chinese teacher