If ever a global pandemic were to befall a class of students, this year’s 2020 graduates are well-equipped, according to Regina Chriestenson, speech and drama teacher at Iola High School.
“I know this sounds odd, but I truly believe that if this were going to happen to a group of people, they were the right group, at least in Iola, for it to happen to,” Chriestenson said. “They are resilient. They are go-getters. They make things happen. They’re all going to do great things in their own ways.”
“In the grand scheme of things, missing out on baseball, state forensics or the spring musical isn’t the end of the world. But when you’re 18, it can seem like the end of the world. My heart goes out to them,” she said.
“I can see how it will help them develop character and empathy. It’s going to make them stronger people.”
Chriestenson said she had entertained the idea of teaching solely online classes and was interested to try via Zoom, an internet program.
“After my first week teaching from home, I thought maybe I could do this. After three weeks, my answer is no. I really do miss my kids,” she said.
Teaching is more than just instruction.
“You can tell a lot just by seeing a student,” Chriestenson said. “When they walk into a room you can tell if they’re having a good or bad day. But you can’t necessarily see that on Zoom, and you definitely can see it if they don’t show up. I feel I need to check in. A teacher is left to wonder why they’ve dropped off the radar. You worry a lot about your students.”
When online instruction began on March 30, Chriestenson wondered how many of her students would “show up.”
To her surprise, most did.
“I think it’s because I forgot that they miss school. They miss the structure. They want to learn. They also feel that something important has been taken away from them.”
Working from home has been a challenge for Chriestenson, who also has two children, ages 6 and 3.
“Every morning I force myself to get and try to be normal,” she said, adding that she makes sure to rise early so that she has some “me time.”
For teachers, this time of year is especially hectic.
Chriestenson likens it to a marathon where students and teachers are sprinting from one event to another and their significance all run together.
“But I tell you what: Next April, I’m going to appreciate each and every day. I’m going to soak it up and appreciate being so busy.”
TO LISTEN to the complete interview with Chriestenson, click here to listen to the “Registered” podcast.
