Love, IMSA

Source: http://payitforward.mohawkcollege.ca/

Whether it be the sidewalk chalk telling you to keep happy or “Some Good News with John Krasinski,” it sparks hope when the world comes together like one big community. 

While these gestures can brighten up our days, they cannot replace the fact that many of us miss IMSA. Everyone, from students to staff, is adjusting to a new setting, and it can be frustrating. As we adapt, it can be easy to think that the IMSA we spent all our time with has diminished, but it has not. To remind you that there is still a strong community, here are some lovely notes from various members of IMSA staff. 

Dr. Lee Eysturlid: “This too will pass. I can remember my first month teaching at IMSA – September, 2001. And that singular day, 9/11. It was traumatic, lots of people had died, security after was tight, people were afraid, there was serious financial disruption. The 24/7 news and commentary cycle went berserk, guessing that “everything” had changed, “nothing” would be the same. They were wrong. Some things did change – TSA and the War in Afghanistan come to mind – but then in time, normalcy returned. People traveled again, people went about their business. IMSA seniors were born that year (or thereabout).  In time there will be a vaccine, you will all go off to university and be fabulous, and IMSA will put “elearning” back in its emergency toolbox and get back to what it does best in-person (that is, for juniors and sophomores).” 

“To quote Winston Churchill: The only thing you need is perseverance, i.e. the ability to keep going no matter what.”

Mr. Dennsa Mohammed: “I wanted to drop a line to encourage our students [about] the importance of maintaining a positive identity.  I am sharing a quote that always centers me as I navigate the complexities of me: ‘Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you [Original quote by George RR Martin].'” 

Dr. Joseph Golab: “When you feel overwhelmed, start a list of all the things that you are grateful for. If you can’t think of even one thing … imagine your world Without Electricity! When this is over (’cause it’s gonna be over!), just imagine all the stories you can tell your kids and grandkids!”

Dr. Sheila Willie: “You’re all scattered to the four winds, but I can still just sense how AWESOME you all are, even from afar. I’ve been calculating the movements of the stars via Hippocrates’ advice and have ascertained that you are all destroying this online learning thing. Keep being the great people you are! Thank you for all your hard work!”

Dr. Jennifer Egloff: “We are currently living through what will doubtlessly be considered one of the fundamental events of the early twenty-first century.  See, History *is* important!”

Dr. Eric Smith: “Keep reminding yourself that this situation is temporary. It’s not a new normal. It’s abnormal and it will end. Your lives on the other side of it will be all that you want them to be.”

Ms. Marti Shirley: “We miss being in class with you. Seeing you, even in Zoom makes us smile!”

Ms. Betty Hart: “There is no such thing as “too much fun”.  Remember, every day above ground is a good day – make it FUN!”

Ms. Dawn Waller: “Stay strong and have faith:  this, too, shall pass!”

Ms. Cat Collins: “GROW through what you GO through!”

Ms. Christine Moskalik: “We see you. We know you’re hurting at times. We are too. We also know just how strong you are and for this, we thank you – it is an inspiration to us. Just remember, this is temporary and we will all make it through this together!! *hugs*”

Dr. Rachel Banke: “Your teachers are people too (as you now know after seeing our houses, children, and pets), and we’re also finding this situation challenging. We really miss getting to be in the classroom with you every day.  It’s been really gratifying to see what an awesome job you’ve been doing so far. It makes our day when you craft a strong answer to a question, send us a little note of appreciation, or go out of your way to answer your classmates’ questions. We see and appreciate your kindness and hard work.”

Dr. Devon Madon: “I know that this is not how any of us imagined that the school year would end. I miss seeing you. But you all continue to inspire me. I always feel so lucky to have such remarkable students and feel that now more than ever. So many of you are staying so creative and engaged. Some of you are really struggling. No matter what, know that you have people at IMSA who care about you deeply. We are still a real community, even when we can not physically be together.”

Anonymous: “We are all in this together.  We will get through this”