Adapting During the Coronavirus
Dylan James, Electrical Occupations junior
During this time of fear and uncertainty, there have been many things that people all over the world have done to become more flexible and adapt so that they can do their best to continue. Some have crafted their own masks and bleach wipes; others have turned to online or pick-up sales; I have learned to adapt my focus, as well. Currently, I am not working outside the home, but I have been keeping busy by helping my family do odd-jobs around the house such as cutting grass, helping build furniture, and washing dishes -- If I were an Electrician during these times, I would be considered an essential worker. I would be on the front lines making sure that the economy is still assured and that businesses don’t fail; until the restrictions have lifted, I’ll have to adapt to changes in our community and be flexible in the ways I continue to learn.
I have been at my house since lock-down and haven’t left unless absolutely necessary. Even though this is a strange feeling -- not being able to leave -- I know there’s purpose; it is necessary to be able to slow the virus from spreading. When I do leave my house I make sure I am sticking to the guidelines put in place by people who have many more degrees than me by wearing my proper equipment to make not only myself but the people around me safe.
Even through these tough times, I have found was to be positive through it all. I realize that even when times seem to be tough, I can always find a light through the tunnel. Spending time with the right attitude is important right now. Ways I have been spending time positively are following guidelines but still being active and mentally healthy. I have also been talking to friends and family but only through the phone to keep my distance.
During these times, school is different but learning is still achievable. Even though I have never done online school before, I have adapted to how it works and I am still rising. My grades look better than ever -- especially in classes like English and Algebra. I have always struggled in these classes, but doing online school has made me more determined than ever to succeed.
My career as an Electrician may have temporarily halted with hands-on training, but I can still do book work and continue to learn about my future occupation. My Electrical teacher Mr. Montini has been fair with our assignments and still helps as if we were in the classroom. Though I may have lacked in theory instruction before COVID-19, this online school has helped me more than ever.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” This quote relates to psychology during this pandemic. Even though this virus will eventually die out, Americans and people all over the world will always be more cautious from now on; for me, I will simply add the lessons learned during this pandemic to the workplace safety lessons we learn in shop because, in life, change is inevitable!
Dylan is an Electrical Occupations junior from Shenango. He is an active member of the Lawrence County Chapter of SkillsUSA and was looking forward to competing at the state level for Industrial Motor Control; perhaps next year will present itself with another opportunity for him to compete. He would enjoy going out into the field in his senior year for Co-op, and when he graduates, he plans to continue on in the field — perhaps as a union member or by continuing his education in line-man school.
