Staff Fighting COVID-19 – Susan’s Story

Everything has changed – our priorities, our routines, and the way we live. While COVID-19 has separated us physically, we are more determined to stay connected with you. Whether you are combatting COVID-19 at the front line or from home.

Susan W. is part of our staff at the Eglinton campus. Here is her story:

What are your tips for online teaching and/or working from home?

Teaching from home has been challenging in several ways. Being able to create a home office has really helped me focus when class is in session. It has also created the appropriate distance from work for time when I’m not working.
Taking a bit more time each day to hear and acknowledge the challenges of my students, has helped me to support them and gather their ability to focus. Mine is the easy job in the class, as they are the ones trying to support young family members and run a household while going to school.

Share a fun moment that happened while you have been teaching and/or working from home

One of the best experiences of this challenging time has been getting to meet the family members of my students, especially the children. Early on, one of my students needed to leave class for a moment to support someone else at home. She muted her mic and camera to do this. Her son who had been eating his breakfast and speaking with me before class, was apparently still there listening and waited for her to return. Being the bright 4-year-old he is, he had learned how to unmute everything and before she was back, he chose to join the class on his own with a big, “Hello-o-o-o-o! Where’s the cat now?” referring to my cat. Ironically, I was in the middle of teaching the ECA Program Module Guiding Children, and his interruption gave us all a good laugh. It became even funnier as his Mom returned to discover our new classmate.

Share a kind message you would like to pass on to our students

To all of the Anderson students, I salute your efforts to adapt and continue on with your studies. All Anderson students have much to be proud of in how they continue to rise to the challenges of COVID-19. As a teacher of over 25 years now, I have witnessed many challenges faced by students at home and internationally. No group of students has had to be braver, stronger or more flexible in their studying, and for that you all deserve recognition and applause!! ?

Share a message you would like to pass on to our frontline workers

To all frontline workers in hospitals, nursing homes, the daycares which are still operating, grocery stores, and all the essential service workers please know that your strength and courage is appreciated. Please know that we are so grateful for your selfless work. In the moments when you feel scared, remember many are thinking of you, and personally, I send you a big hug. Thank you is not enough for what you are doing. Know you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers each day.

Join our fight against COVID-19 and share your story here.