These are unprecedented times

Oh how many times have I heard this phrase in the past two months. I think every teacher thought they were simply entering their March break expected some sort of break from their students/work. Little did we know that it would get extended into this social nightmare. I have so much respect for frontline workers who are helping those in need at this time. (Do teachers count?) Sometimes I find myself thinking how confusing this is. Little by little the restrictions are becoming less strict so to say, and what do we find? People are also calming down. I guess this can be beneficial because we are not panicking for toilet paper anymore (Muslims can’t relate). It’s also detrimental because it gives the false hope persona, and who knows who meets what and where. There are too many unknown variables at stake, and this affects people’s’ lives. I get it, it’s serious but at the same time relaxed? One day I found myself thinking about how crazy I’m going. How I feel trapped that I can just get into my car and drive to a store, that I can’t see other people, that I’m somehow forced to provide childcare, teach my students, and somehow be a good housewife. The rabbit hole of ‘there’s nothing to look forward to’ is a sad reality.

Then I began to think about my students, who at their age (highschoolers) are more susceptible to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial behaviours. What about them? How can we reach them through an email or a phone call? The best we can do is provide them safe space, within boundaries of course, and we can let them know of the mental health resources they have access to. It’s up to them to start different coping strategies. Just like how it’s up to me to relax myself. I mean, isn’t blogging relaxing after all?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Impressions

First impressions are undoubtedly very important. I mean, I find myself in a career where I need to go into the classroom with confidence and a glowing attitude or else my students will walk all over me and take advantage. And God only knows that I don’t want to be a doormat again (this ain’t London). I know that in a classroom, it’s not about being aggressive, rather assertive . That is the first impression I want to be able to depict to my students right from the get-go. Because let’s be honest, I still feel like a little girl (thank you petite-ness). Any important situation whether we’re at an interview, at a party or meeting our work team, the first impressions are so important and most of the times spot-on. Of course, you shouldn’t just judge someone on their first impression if it wasn’t the best, give them that benefit of the doubt. One feels more comfortable judging after they get to know someone. I mean, the truth is that you can’t live your life without being judged, t...
Read more

Thank you for the lesson

  A long time ago I came across some words of wisdom which explained the importance of forgiveness. At that stage in my life, I was completely anti forgiveness. I still understand why, and though I’d like to say my views on said topic have changed, I’d be slightly lying. I’m very good at blocking things out of my life, that’s how I cope. But every once in a blue moon, you get an unnecessary, by chance reminder. And it kinda takes you to mental head space you had kept far away. A few (many) words that I want to say to my past self; “You knew better. How could you allow it time after time? You wasted your time investing energy and effort into a dead end. Feels dumb doesn’t it? Everything that was said, was said to break you, all excuses, immaturity and white noise. Realize it and understand. Not everyone you meet will have good intentions and true sentiments. Life becomes easier when you learn to accept the apologies you’ve never gotten. Don’t free the criminal from the crime, just f...
Read more