Are We There Yet?

Do you feel like you are on a last minute, very long road trip with a destination that keeps changing? You left hurriedly and didn’t have time to pack? There’s been road construction, a detour or two, heavy traffic and the engine is about to run hot? People are blowing horns and you are doing the best you can to stay focused on the road ahead? You must. The first week on the “remote road” has been quite an experience! 

The coronavirus pandemic has turned your professional and personal lives upside down!  You’ve packed offices, moved home, and are finding creative ways to do your job, teach classes, advise and serve students, etc. –all this while juggling K-12 students, parents, and other family commitments and life issues. You’ve been incredible!  I offer my sincere thanks for all you’ve done – and all you continue to do.

We’ve come a long way, but we are not there yet. The demands and pressures have not subsided – not for you and not for our students. Please continue to be calm, be kind, be gentle, be encouraging, be flexible, and be available to students and to each other as much as you can. Reexamine your expectations for yourself, for students and for others – these are not “normal” times.  Make adjustments as needed. No one is immune from mental and emotional stress ---take care of yourself!

Road trips can be tiring and stressful, but they can also be an adventure. Let’s roll down the windows, feel the breeze, take a deep breath and appreciate the scenery. By scenery, I mean the way the Southeastern family is uniting to face these unprecedented challenges. The trip continues but we will get there --and we will be stronger for having done so together!

Drive safe and stay healthy!

 

My best,
Tena