By. Jenna Johnson
Throughout this pandemic I’ve struggled to think about things that aren’t related to it and to be able to really get my mind off the crazy time we are in. As I write this blog post today, I’m facing the same struggle. However, I’ve realized that no matter how challenging and scary times have been, I have gained a refreshed perspective. Many things have changed, but there are still so many constants and surprisingly, lots of positives that have come from this. As I think about my own experience with this COVID-19 pandemic and the Illinois stay-at-home order, I have so many things to be grateful for and this situation has shed light on for me:
- The ability to adapt to different work environments.
- My amazing, positive and motivated coworkers.
- My parents, who take every challenge they face with strength and determination.
- My boyfriend, a paramedic, who continues to work every shift in the face of the unknown and continues to inspire and motivate me.
- Technology like Google Hangouts and Workplace Chat to stay connected with friends, family and coworkers.
- The opportunity to reset my work priorities when I worked at home and time to learn new things.
- Donors who remained patient with our office in the wake of our adjustment period.
- Donors who continue to support Moose Charities, and all that we do as a Fraternity, while they themselves are going through the same situation we are.
- Moose members renewing their membership while their lodges have been closed, knowing their dues support so more than social spaces.
- The hope I have to overcome and adapt to future challenges that may come my way.
As we move through the next phases of reopening, I look back at this time as a memorable eye opener to the things I, at times, had taken for granted. I hope after this we can all appreciate who and what we have in our lives and embrace the new perspectives we’ve gotten. I’m ready for “normal” again, however that will be defined.
