While teaching my students during virtual learning a recurring theme plays out almost daily. Many of my students are working. Their work schedules interfere with their school schedules and they are often front line workers. When the pandemic forced statewide shut downs of everything but essential businesses many of my students were already called to action. The businesses deemed essential were not only hospitals, but also grocery stores, gas stations, discount stores and fast food restaurants. Family Dollar, Dollar General, Amazon, Walmart and Target all are essential businesses and all employ teenagers, many of whom are Black and brown. We teachers often hear students say they've missed online class because of work, some will even join a Zoom class from behind the cash register at work. More times than I can count this school year a student has been at work while in virtual class. They are trying to balance completing assignments, being present in class while also bagging grocer...
Pretty much how I'm feeling in the moment.. mom, wife, teacher, summer lover, energy craver, believer in Black girl magic, Beyonce and music... avid reader and writer.. published author, but a day dreamer... I love it when things speak to my soul and when they do I write them here..