2020 has been a year of big changes for everyone. Think about all that has happened in your life in the past 6 months. Here is my list: I graduated with my master’s degree, moved into my first grownup apartment, my boyfriend got deployed halfway around the world, AND I started my first real job. It sounds like a lot, but I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
What job did I start? I am a first grade teacher in an Autism Support Classroom. When I applied for the job, I didn’t know if I would be teaching online or in person. The words “synchronous” and “asynchronous” were not in my vocabulary. I had been designing my first classroom on Pinterest for at least a year. Little did I know, my first classroom would be my apartment living room.
Due to the safety concerns surrounding the global pandemic we are in, my school district decided to start school virtually. I found out through a Facebook post that I would be teaching six year olds through my laptop. It wasn’t what I had been dreaming of since I was a little girl, but I had two options. I could’ve sulked about it in my room, or I could hit the ground running and make the best out of the situation. As difficult as it was, I tried to focus on the second option.
I’m not going to lie and say it has been easy or that I haven’t needed several pep talks from my boyfriend. Here is what I can say. I have learned how resilient children are. My students have been learning math, reading, writing, and science through their computers. They work hard and show up, which is exactly what they need me to do. Technology sucks sometimes and my wifi might get spotty, but my kids need me to show up and teach the best I can.
The upcoming weeks are filled with uncertainty and new questions about our return into the building. I will continue to show up with a positive attitude and support the people around me (the adults need support too). Stay tuned for updates on my return to the classroom!
Granted This Life 