“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
Teddy Roosevelt
That quote has always been one of my favorites. As an educator, parent, and coach, I preach that mindset constantly. I am a firm believer in being mindful…being in the moment…and not looking too far backward or forward. Self-awareness and mindfulness are key to understanding and accepting one’s own strengths and weaknesses. I firmly believe those two qualities have helped mold and shape me into the educator I am today. I am constantly working on honing my strengths and shoring up my weaknesses. I am always looking to be a better father, teacher, son…better person overall…than the day before. The drive and fire are ever-present. These qualities have been battle-tested; and the 19–20 school year proved to be the biggest test to date.
When my school was shut down after March 13th, 2020, the Roosevelt quote above became all the more relevant. My students, colleagues, and I were faced with a new set of challenges. When we all left the building that fateful Friday, none of us had any inkling that it would be our last day together. There was such an air of uncertainty…one that I had not ever felt in my nearly twenty-three years in the classroom. It was eerie yet surreal.
As an introvert, the transition to online teaching was fairly smooth. I was in my realm…working away at my desk or the kitchen table. I could methodically and meticulously plan out my lessons for each of my science classes. I made Loom videos for my students. Some were content-related and some were mainly to provide motivation and a sense of comfort. I did my best to supplement laboratory experiments and class discussions. But, nothing can ever replace the experiences of student-teacher and student-student interactions. This is where the true value in education lies. There is not bit of technology…no one app…that can mimic or supplant the establishment and fostering of positive relationships. I missed my kids dearly and our daily interactions. “Everyday is a new adventure with you people” I often say to them. They chuckle and nod because they know it to be true. In the world of education, no two days are the same. And that’s exactly what I missed when we were forced, by a tiny virus, into the world of virtual education.
It might seem counter-intuitive that an introvert would miss the hustle and bustle of high school….and the fluctuating hormone levels, moodiness, and petty drama that goes along with shaping of teenage minds. That’s a lot to process for an introvert mind. That type of activity could easily lead to sensory overload and fatigue…and many times it does! That’s why the greatest gift us teachers can get is the gift of time. I cherish my planning period because I can exhale, recharge, and collect my thoughts. It’s a sliver of serenity in an otherwise hectic yet productive day.
Teachers don’t go into teaching for the money. That should go without saying. We are in it for the kids. They are the most important stakeholders in any academic institution, bar none. They are the future. Words cannot adequately describe how happy I am to be able to have a small part in their journey. I am truly blessed….and ready for tomorrow’s classroom adventures.
