Opened Doors of Opportunity

When I think I’m at a loss and all options to move forward are stunted, a new opportunity arises. It may not be in the form of what I wish, but it is an opportunity non the less. These opportunities have happened time and again in my life. This more opportunities for growth and learning present themselves, the more I am acutely aware that my prayers are not unheard, and I am not fully in control.

The Pandemic Sought to Destroy:

Slowly gathering courage, I remember finally telling my oldest son as he lay happy reading in his bed, that COVID19 had hit American shores. Knowing it would only be a matter of weeks until drastic measures enacted, I fumbled for the right words. God gave them to me: We will be safe. We will plan. We will make the best of it, and we don’t have all the answers.

Perplexed, he asked me many questions. I tried to answer them as calmly and scientifically as possible, but this was only a feeble attempt as so many unknowns arose. We held tight as a family, ready to brace for the worst and hope for the best.

Learning at Home:

We plugged away plugged into computers. We played, hiked, and spent many hours in quiet contemplation and prayer. The more isolated we became, the worse it was for a teenager needing socialization, friends, and freedom. By summer, we were ready for change with safety in mind.

We traveled, camped, and vacationed in other places while staying distanced and safe from others. We began to question the science, the government, and the integrity of the news. We decided to live boldly in the Truth of God yet continued to be safe to protect ourselves and others.

As the Months Marched On:

I worried about what my teaching career might be. I feared for the safety of students, families, and the community in which I live. I decided to jump on every committee and task force to enact the changes I wanted to see to keep all safe. Though I vehemently opposed the reopening of schools in a pandemic, If we were going to do this, open schools, we’d better do it the VERY best way possible. Though I lost the battle to keep all safe and learning remotely, I won the fight to have a remote option available to those in the community who were too scared to send their children to school. If I couldn’t change COVID19, I would do my best to block its ability to infect those around me the best I could. I hate having a loss of control.

God Had Another Plan:

Many times, my husband needed to remind me to be patient. It will work out. Reluctantly, I agreed. Presented with the opportunity to teach remotely, my students and I could stay safe. I was to learn a new way of teaching using an unfamiliar learning platform. Though this was daunting, I agreed. Safety must be first. Though my underlying condition and COVID 19 tried to crush me as a teacher, I now have an opportunity to teach online. It is not a year ago, where I envisioned myself to be. But, looking back, no one ever really envisioned this reality. Though I thought my teaching career might be over, a new door has opened. I will be a teacher, an online teacher.

~Amanda Allison, M.Ed.