Melissa - Chandler, Texas

photo submitted

Occupation: Assistant Principal

What Covid-19 related restrictions are in place where you live?: School is out until April 3rd for sure. Local fast food restaurants are using drive thru and carry out options only. The malls and bigger restaurants are closed. There are no organized activities by the city, including Little League Sports, going on at this time.

What has been your biggest challenge during this crisis so far? : Being an Assistant Principal during this, there are so many challenges. How do kids get packets of work and meals, how do we calm parents about the anxieties of teaching their kids, will hourly employees get paid, will kids be prepared to go to the next grade, how will teachers adapt to this new "normal?"

Describe the emotions you/your family are feeling through this crisis? : Lots of anxiety and uncertainty. But also lots of happy feelings from the support of our community.

What are you doing to help cope?: Thank goodness I am a runner and like to exercise. I have been exercising 2 times a day now--it helps clear my mind and is great therapy. I do read alouds to my school kiddos everyday, via Facebook live--this makes my heart happy! I also try to encourage community members and teachers to find the positive in this and that this is just temporary. Things can always be worse, but we have so much to be thankful for.

If you have a religious background, how has this crisis affected your faith? : It has definitely made me stronger in my faith. God is in control and has been. I pray more and look to Him for peace.

Have you seen any small victories in all of this for you or your family? : There are small victories all around--you just have to find them. It is so encouraging to hear from and read the messages from community members, parents, and students about the different activities I am doing everyday for the kids and the impact it has on them. It is comforting to them and important to me that they know they are loved and missed. It's a victory in itself that my teachers have embraced this new style of teaching and are being open and creative. They are growing because they have stepped out of their comfort zone and done new, hard things. As their boss, I am so proud of them for that!

To share your story of how you’ve been affected by Covid-19, click here.