When traditional school as we once knew it came to a screeching halt in March and Quarantine was activated, “there’s no place like home” took a new meaning. My husband and I were used to working from home a few days a week but it was never with our tiny human and youngest boss at home.
Apart from my usual mommy duties, I was now the unofficial teacher’s aide, instructor, evaluator, counselor, lunch lady, administrator, AND principal. It didn’t help that my food budget increased 10-fold since my 9-year-old son thought that being at home, now meant that the mid-day lunch break now needed to be a 5 course, 3 Michelin star meal and moment. I was assisting with art homework, became his gym partner, and submitting his assignments as he completed them, while still needing to get MY work done. A sister was tired, ok. I was this close to charging this child for Aftercare services. As I reflect, I really should have. Most moments I just wanted him to not walk past his dad to come ask me to print something for him.
Finally, it was Back to School time – albeit virtually. You would think things would get easier since we “practiced & mastered it all” at the end of Spring, right? Did you say “yes”? Wrong answer! I was in for another surprise.
Day 2 of Virtual School Year 20/21. Am I Smarter than a 4th Grader?
After years of walking numerous employees through logging into various online portals and systems and helping them set up their online profiles, I found myself at the crossroads when my son’s 4th Grade Teacher had to walk me through logging him into his Google classroom suite.
Tiny voices declaring that they logged-in successfully on their own did not provide relief. The “30-second” process started taking so long that she sent the students to take a quick “surprise” break. I believe it was to shield me from their judging eyes and salvage the edges of any dignity that I as an income-earning, PowerPoint making, policy writing parent had left. SISTERHOOD! I begged her not to tell my employer. She politely smiled. (I just knew she was gonna tell my employer.)
A few students stayed in the Zoom room in solidarity … or were they in disbelief that it was taking me so long? I choose solidarity. Glass half full, right? Were it not for their precious tiny eyes emotionally supporting me through this treacherous and traumatic experience, I would have probably given up. I persevered despite my neck growing increasingly hot with shame. I needed to show these young scholars that quitters never win, and winners never give up on logging into Google Classrooms no matter if it takes 14 attempts to do so.
Upon successfully logging in, I declared, “Ha! I AM smarter than a 4th Grader!” I thought I heard a chuckle almost immediately. Was it a student or my conscious laughing at me? We may never know.
To all my sisters out there holding the fort with your children during this semester, my heart goes out to you. Share your stories in the comments below. You are not alone in this!
Antiguan born, Sekema Rhodes is a vivacious, passionate HR professional and Women’s Ministries Director. She is a firm believer in the power of sisterhood and an advocate for women empowerment. Some call her a superwoman but she views herself as a mom, wife, sister, and friend just trying to make the world a better place one smile at a time.