We are in the middle of a pandemic.
Our numbers are increasing not decreasing. In the last month in my county we've gone from 112 to 250 daily cases per 100k on average. We continue to be in an upward trend. Our governor and governors from states around us are starting to shut back down. The state is instituting travel warnings and quarantine practices.
But so far schools are still allowed to be open for "targeted student groups"
I have friends who have been in person with students 2 days a week since mid-September. There is currently no cap on when they would stop providing services. I am being told I am selfish for worrying about numbers instead of wanting to provide in person services to students. So if I am going to have my employer make the decisions on what degree of risk to put me in, I need to be willing to make decisions for myself that may include risk for my overall well being.
I am working weekends and using my planning time to meet with students. Teachers around the country are being called lazy because we are teaching online; but I promise you in my 8 years in the classroom I have never worked harder in my life than this year. I need a break, I need my people, I need a vacation.
Like millions of American's my mental health has suffered as a result of the pandemic. My anxiety and depression are in a constant war with each other on who is in control and none of it puts me in a healthy space. So I will be traveling to Minnesota for Christmas, for my health. That must sound crazy during a pandemic I will get on an air plane and expose myself to a state with significantly higher covid case numbers than Washington, for my health.
Health isn't just physical, it's mental. I am falling apart and the vast majority of my support system lives in Minnesota. Those that don't will also be home for the holiday, so I will be too. Feel free to judge me. I know I am making a choice that many people feel is irresponsible given numbers. Hell I feel it's irresponsible sometimes; but it would be more irresponsible to not do what I need to, to protect my sanity. I want to be around to teach next year. I want to have the energy and desire to teach next year. In order to do that, I have to find the energy, capital whatever you want to call it to get through this year; and that means going home.
I will be in Minnesota for 2 weeks at Christmas, because it's what I need to do for me. I have spent 8 months feeling incredibly selfless. I have spent 8 months giving up my time, my resources, my sanity all for my job, so I am taking 2 weeks for myself.
I will get a covid test before I leave and will quarantine prior to travel to protect the people I will see and I will get a covid test when I return home to protect my community here in the PWN. I will follow rules on social distancing and masking. I will bundle up with warm coats and boots and blanks next to outdoor heaters to enjoy beers with friends. I will spend time with family. I will restore my soul.
-C
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