The Crosby Blog has to be written and there is a pandemic, what’s the point? I will tell you I have started this blog no less than 5 times. First, I was going to connect a song and its message to a powerful inspirational message. Clearly that did not happen. Next, I came up with a list of 10 things you can do to be a successful student during your virtual learning experience. I am sure that has been written by others and everyone is done reading it. I even thought about writing about making the best of a bad situation. Then I thought…I don’t want to write a Blog.
Sound familiar? My kids are in the same boat. They want to do their best but they really don’t want to do anything at all. Motivation is gone. Maybe you are in middle school and you can’t figure out how to submit that PDF doc your teacher is asking for in just the right way. Maybe your Internet is not good at home and you are having problems accessing your assignments. Maybe you are a senior so bummed about missing Prom that you don’t want to do anything.
I am going to tell you my favorite quote from the movie Moonstruck. “Snap out of it!” Cher delivers the line with a slap in the face. I will refrain from the slap. But it is time to “snap out of it”. This is the new normal and we all have to figure out the way that we are going to be able to meet our school, work and family expectations.
How do we SNAP OUT OF IT?
- Get up and put forth the effort!
This is not going away. You can’t hide from this. So read your emails, follow instructions and ask for help. Keep trying until you figure it out.
- What you are doing is important and will make a difference!
So many students are disappointed with what they are missing and they wonder if the assignments or work are really going to make a difference. I think the phrase I have been hearing the most is “What’s the point?” Your actions will have a consequence and you still have control of your effort.
- Look for fun ways to encourage and motivate others around you.
Take a moment to observe the people in your circle: parents, grandparents, siblings, neighbors, and friends. Do they look tired, sad, stressed? What can you do to help? Call, face time, text, email, send a card. There are so many ways you can spread a little joy and encourage others. You will find your spirits lifted as well.
I know it is hard. This new unknown is scary and hard. YOU have something that no one else has and what you do is important and will make a difference. There is a point. When we pass through this time, you will look back and have learned something new about yourself. This experience will change us and will make us all better. Time to Snap out of it!