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n looking back on one of the most unique years of my life and career, there have been multiple challenges we have feared, faced and overcome. Never in my life would I ever have thought I would have to communicate with my students via Zoom, Email, Seesaw, phone, mail and not in person. Never did I ever think I would not be able to hug my little ones each and every day. Never did I ever think I would not be able to give my students high fives as we pass each other throughout the day. Unfortunately, that day came on March 13, 2020 when we shut our doors and began learning remotely. One of the biggest blessings for the 2020-2021 school year was being able to return to campus and see all of my kiddos even if their faces were covered behind a mask. A true focus in my classes last year was communicating behind the mask, that our body language is vital, and that our eyes do “talk.” We would as a Lower School have to figure out ways to show emotion despite wearing these masks. Our amazing K3 teachers would encourage their little ones to wear their masks by telling them that they were superheroes and that superheroes always wear their masks. Through all of these trying times, I have seen strength, resiliency, love, and kindness. I have seen teachers give their all each and every day to make learning fun and help their students thrive. I have seen parents not only work with their children, but balance that along with jobs, families, and loved ones. I have seen students lose their parents to COVID-19 and still show up with smiles on their faces. Recently, I came across a quote that really spoke to me, “through darkness comes light, through fear comes love and through pain comes triumph.” We have certainly seen darkness, fear and pain this year, but I wholeheartedly feel that we have triumphed and are now stronger in mind, body and spirit!
Blair Schoenvogel '97 | Lower School Counselor
