Covid 19 has drastically affected my life. I have lost family and friends to the illness. I have also lost some students to the virus. I am very thankful and understanding to all of my loved ones and students dealing with the Covid 19. I also assisted my youngest son with virtual learning for 3 months.

Figure 1.  My son, Braylen, on the first day of virtual school

I read research and information from CDC and rely on my friends who are in the health care field for daily news. I pray and try to live each day to the fullest.

(About handling stress:) I read, spend time with my family, and pray.

It has affected my work life. I have to help my youngest son more. I also have students who are dealing with Covid 19. I also have to assist and help them. I take breaks and work a lot at night.

I have a home office. I have a table, laptop, and chair along with books and writing notebooks.

I use zoom more to interact with students. It has worked for the better. I can see my students and really see how they are doing.

I am compassionate. I accept late assignments. I pray with and for them and go over assignments more.

I talk to my colleagues through Zoom, email, and cell phone.

Zoom is very helpful. Also google meet video conferencing.

I have the power of being strong during these times. I still complete all of my tasks as well as teach and help my students. I also spend time with my family.

I think that a vaccine will take years to be ready. It will have to be tested. Therefore, mask and social distancing will still be relevant for 1 to 2 years.

I will remember being safe and not taking time for granted.

I would have definitely watched the news more. China was going through a pandemic under our noses. I now continuously buy disinfectant products.

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Dr. Latonya Peterson works as a Business and Criminal Justice Instructor at Baker University. This photo shows “Me voting/standing in a long line wearing a mask. My son's first day of virtual school.”  Her email is latonyapeterson@fac.bakeru.edu.

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