Q: How would you describe the transition from on-site learning to e-learning?

A: I feel like the transition varied greatly among staff and students. It is definitely a process if you aren’t used to the technology, but it just became “the new normal” after a while. I found that for the most part everyone was trying to do their best. Everyone needed to find the right rhythm that works for them during this time. I would like to say that I’m more on the advanced side of working with technology, but I’m sure everyone would agree that it has been at least a great excuse to learn about a lot of new teaching tools!

Q: What specific obstacles have you faced with e-learning whether it be technological, curricular, or something else?

A: One of the biggest obstacles has been trying to find a balance between everything I want to teach my students, and what I need to teach them. I had a lot of really fun things planned for the rest of the school year! I’ve really learned to adjust and modify; getting to the core of what would be the most beneficial things for students to learn at this time is more important. I also just really miss my students, which I’m sure a lot of teachers would say as well. I was really heartbroken when I found out I wasn’t going to be able to end the school year with them. It’s fun seeing everyone in our zoom classes, but I think we can all agree that it’s just not the same!

Q: How has the ongoing pandemic affected your perception of the world, if at all?

A: It hasn’t exactly changed my perception of the world, but it has been really interesting to keep in touch with my friends from different countries during this time. I have talked with my friends in England, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, etc. and they’ve all had such different experiences, but they ALL have been affected in some way. I don’t think people think about that sometimes.

Q: What activities do you use to become calm and collected during these times?

A: To be completely honest, for the first few weeks of quarantine I felt really lost. I’ve learned that keeping myself to a general schedule helps to make me feel like I’m not just drifting through the days. I make sure to be awake by 8, and I devote my morning time to reflection and productivity. I always do quick 10-15 minute meditations when I wake up to center my day and my head space. I’ve shared these meditations with quite a few people and a lot of them have said they help them too! In the afternoon I always make sure I get out and go for a walk, or do something outside my house for awhile. I’ve looked up a bunch of nature paths around me so I don’t feel like I’m just doing the same thing everyday. A GOLDEN rule I have for myself that I actively encourage for everyone is taking technology breaks throughout the day! I seriously cannot stress this enough! I know that we are all wrapped up in staying connected, but it is so important for you to make space for yourself during this time. Put your phone away, on silent, or better yet, turn it off & leave it in another room. Turn off the TV, shut down your computer, and just make time to do something real. There’s nothing wrong with technology, and I know it’s a vital part of our day to day, but you HAVE to take breaks from it. Step away and refocus your energy throughout your day. I guarantee this will help. Also, organizing. I have reorganized my house about a million times too at this point, but this probably doesn’t surprise anyone who knows me well. I might be alone in this being something calming though.

Q: What is your go-to quarantine snack and why?

A: Actually I’ve found that I haven’t really been snacking as much as cooking & baking much more than I normally do. I love cooking but normally I don’t have much time to do a lot of it, so I’ve been taking more time to experiment with different recipes. It has been fun, and now I have quite a few new go-to recipes. Unless we want to count coffee as a snack, and then my answer would be coffee. However, I don’t think it does, so I suppose just refer to my first answer.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add on?

A: I just want to say that if YOU, the reader, are feeling down, anxious, or lost during this time – please reach out to someone. This has not been easy for anyone, but for some this has been much more difficult than others. Reach out and check in with your friends but also be honest about how this situation is making YOU feel. This is all unprecedented, and especially with the extension of the stay-at-home order, it’s more important now than ever to know that you are not alone.