On my last day in the Ware Student Commons Circle Desk (for a while, anyway):
My office has been in the circle desk for 15 weeks now. I’m reminded why Amarillo College is such a special place and how deep and real the culture of caring is within it. Things I’ve learned:

1. COVID-19 is a thief. In stealing people’s health, livelihoods, family members, normalcy, confidence (in self % in leadership.) Its devastation is far greater than a positive test. The stories I’ve heard are heartbreaking. The solutions for our students’ was always … love.

2. Students are resilient – but their breaking points will break your heart. Our students are fighters. When they have no childcare or job, they lose hope. I’ve seen our staff work miracles of heart, coaching, listening. We need political & financial solutions. Love isn't enough.

3. COVID-19 has proven that Amarillo College can adapt, on a dime, and still love students to success. With our employees coaching (and calling) students through the pandemic, we significantly decreased students drops/withdraw rates and maintained success rates. Love wins.

4. I’ve seen moms be the strongest. Several moms bring their children with them. I’ve watched moms take a test while simultaneously helping their own kids with their homework. These moms are magical in managing the pressure with grace and love. We can learn from them.

5. Technology is an important solution to managing COVID. We do not have universal wifi and access to technology in our community. This will severely limit our country’s ability to recover if we can’t solve this.

6. Even families that have technology and broadband struggle if they are sharing a device across multiple family members. Having technology isn’t enough to survive COVID. Each family member needs their own device to work and learn from home.

7. The amount of food we’ve given out will stop your heart. Y’all. COVID has only accelerated the poverty. People are hungry and scared. We have the resources to survive this but people don’t know how to connect to them. Social workers will save this community and country. Watch.

8. Planning for COVID is exhausting. We are so tired – emotionally, physically, intellectually drained. We are doing our regular jobs and then doing the exact same jobs in 4 other ways on 4 other platforms. I’ve never worked harder, or longer, or with more uncertainty. Its scary.

9. Finally, please, please, please, please, please wear a mask. It is our best tool to safely reopen. Mask. Social Distance. Hygiene. These are things within our control. We can beat this if you just wear a mask. It’s not political – its science. Wear it. Please & thank you.

10. I love @AmarilloCollege, this community, and our country. Our students give me hope. When you meet them, they will give you hope as well.