“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”—Friedrich Nietzsche
Presently, we are nearly all challenged in some way by the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are inconvenienced and greatly restricted. Frankly, I am upset that I required to work from home for the next 13 weeks—no research, no on-campus final exams, and all online courses next term. Spring Break travel is cancelled. And I have it much better than most.
Through it all, there are opportunities. I don’t have to deal with traffic and two-plus hours in commuting. I can spend more time with my wife and children. With regards to teaching, I am afforded the opportunity to challenge myself. I have planned to take a more “flipped” classroom approach with a couple of my classes. I had hoped to start with Pathophysiology & Exercise (with the summer to prepare), but I will give it a try with Physiology of Exercise. It is less than ideal, but I will find a way. Online is not preferred, by I will manage. My two other classes seem impossible to deliver well in an online format. Fundamentals of Strength Training & Conditioning and Advanced Programming for Sport & Fitness are intended to give the students more practical experience. I struggle to see how this can be done well (especially on such short notice) without face-to-face interaction, but I will figure it out. Mistakes will undoubtedly be made, but growth cannot come without failure.
In these times, we have great opportunity to practice patience. Indeed, these are ideal times to cultivate the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I might add gratitude, as well.
The road may be bumpy, but the destination will be what it is to be. I will have to work harder this term and sacrifice some of what I hoped to accomplish, but I will be the better for it. Seize the moment.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!