35yoSeeking... silver linings
Word Count: 466
Working in a school has been an especially wild ride this year—for so many pandemic-related reasons! But last fall, it was carpool that nearly put me over the edge. That’s right. I remember starting to panic when our administration was told we each needed to spend up to an hour per day(!) helping out with morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up out on the parking lot—taking temperatures, checking screenings, and walking kids to and from. How could I possibly be expected to keep up with my own job—already a very full 40+ hours per week—while giving up (or worse, adding!) an extra 3–5 hours to my load?!
Of course, the kids come first, and of course, I wanted to be a team player! But there was just SO much to be anxious about when schools were first trying to open back up as safely as possible. Thankfully, everyone started to settle into the new routine, and that “up to an hour per day” soon became 30 minutes or less.
In truth, that 30 minutes or less at carpool every day has become one of my favorite silver linings and the largest blessings of this year. It’s been the best crash course in getting to know our students and families—something that would have easily taken this administrator five years or more under “normal” school year circumstances. On days when I feel strapped to my desk in the name of content creation, afternoon carpool is the best kind of mental break, offering fresh air and a change of scenery (for 30 minutes or less!).
And the kiddos! Oh, my heart. The 4- and 5-year olds I’m usually helping with are just the best. I’m not 100% sure they know who I am or what to make of me. They know I’m not their teacher, but “Marketing & Communications Manager” means nothing to them. If anything, they probably know me as the lady who takes pictures around school. Sometimes they ask me what my name is, but they often prefer to comment on my fashion choices. (“I LOVE your golden gloves!,” “Are those SNAKESKIN shoes???,” “Your hair looks... different today.”) The highlight of my school year was when my favorite first-grader of my favorite family told me he wished that I could come over to his house for a playdate. His mom, who is also awesome, said, “Heck, yes! Come on over! I’ll get the wine!”
But mostly, I feel so lucky to work at a school that has been so careful and caring about ALL its stakeholder groups this year—students, families, faculty, AND staff. No one bats an eye if my social posts have to wait until tomorrow morning because of afternoon pick-up. Because the kids come first. And if we all agree on that, our jobs will get done.
