Working during Corona

Started writing on May 24th ...

I stopped working on March 9th due to Corona. I have been off for 2 months. Since I have been off, I have been relaxing and trying to better myself.

I was supposed to start working for the YMCA, as a supply teacher in the middle of March, but due to Covid-19 I wasn’t able to start. I got asked to work at an Emergency Daycare which started in the middle of May. I took up the invitation and decided to help others out and give back.

My first week at the Emergency Daycare was very nerve-racking, as I didn’t know what to expect. I was scared, as there are many sick people everywhere. I live with my grandparents, and my mom so this made me worried about coming back home and passing something to them. Thankfully the daycare is very cautious, and we clean everything that we touch, and always hope for the best.

On my first day I had to read the policies and a few documents. I introduced myself to everyone and began working. There were no children in the daycare, at the time. We had to prepare the daycare for the children, by cleaning everything from top to bottom.

On my second day, my supervisor told me we were doing the Corona testing. I was very scared, as I heard that it was painful! Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad, as everyone said it would be. People told me it was a large stick that they put up their nose, and ended up touching their brain, which is false. It was a small Q-tip that reached the bridge of my nose. It wasn’t painful, but it was uncomfortable. It was a quick second in each nostril. When it was done my eyes were watering, and my nose was itching. It just felt like someone stuck their finger all the way up my nose.

My test results came back negative the day after, I was very ecstatic to hear this :D

A few days later, I was told I was going to have children in my classroom. I was doing the afternoon shift, which meant I would come in the afternoon @1:00, and the morning teacher would be able to go home. I was working with the School Agers. I started off with 4 kids, and by the end of the week I finished off with 7 kids.

I was honestly so excited to go to work each day. Even though I am still scared of Covid, I try to make the best of each day. I know I am helping other people out, as I am now a frontline worker.

The beginning of the week was terrifying for me, and by the end of the week I was very comfortable with all the children. The ages of the children in my classroom age from 3-9 years of age. My first week with the children was very eventful, as I was able to learn about each child and find out what their interests were.

I was told that I am very loving towards all the children. I love all children with all my heart. I was able to work with 2 children with Autism, for the first time, all by myself, and this was a very different experience! Even though I found it hard to adjust, I was able to overcome and have a positive mindset.

Continued Writing July 2nd …

After one month of working at the Emergency daycare, during Covid-19, I gained lots of experience and had an enjoyable time. I worked various hours, which included opening in the morning, to closing in the evening. I realized that at the beginning I was terrified, as there were lots of precautions and risks. By the end, I didn’t want to leave, as I created such an amazing bond with all the children, and all the staff at the daycare. My last day was June 26th, and when I said bye to everyone, I wanted to cry! I was gutted, as I would have to leave everyone, and again be jobless.

As an employee of the YMCA Emergency daycare, we always hoped for the best, but we're always prepared for the worst. You have to be prepared at all times, as you must expect the unexpected. I have always been driven to succeed.

This was a phenomenal experience, and I would do it again. I know at the beginning, I was always cautious, and wary, as I didn’t want to get my family sick. I remember asking my grandma, if I would have to sleep in the basement and self isolate, while working. She replied with ‘No, you don’t need to do that, if it’s supposed to happen, it will ’. This got me scared, as I didn’t want to be the one to make my family sick. My grandma then said, she goes grocery shopping, and comes in contact with many people, so it could happen the same way. This made me ponder, and realize she is absolutely correct. Anything could happen, and you just have to hope for the best.

Working during Corona, wasn’t as bad as everyone made it seem. Even though we didn’t have to wear masks, I always took the necessary precautions and took care of my mind, emotionally and body physically, so I didn’t get sick. I made sure to eat healthy foods, exercise everyday, drank lots of water, and got enough sleep so I was ready for the next day.

I’m glad for the experience, and I can’t wait for what’s next. I am grateful that I can help out people in my community, during this time of need.