With everything that is going on, as the semester starts up at @BoiseState it has allowed me time to reflect. Even though there’s no way of knowing what this semester looks like, I know it will bring challenges (maybe more than any before) and opportunities to grow. (long thread)

This summer I have worked like crazy thinking about how to create an online community for my students. I have instituted new activities (some that I’m sure won’t work), and am excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone (admittedly, I wish it was a bit less than what it is now).

To my students, I know not everything I try will work – and that’s ok. We are in this together and we will have some class periods that are amazing and some that will fall flat (hopefully more of the first).

I ask that you bear with the technology challenges that are sure to come up with patience and understanding.

Your instructors (at least a large majority of them) have worked all summer to try to make this new format the best it can be for you and we want this semester, although different, to be great for each of you.

Second, don’t let your physical distance lead to social isolation. Social connection and support drives humans – and I encourage you to find ways to connect (or reconnect) to your family, friends, and new people around you.

Resilience, which is something we will need lots of this semester, thrives with connection and support.

Finally (and maybe most importantly), I hope that each of you know how much we care about each and every one of you.

The connections with my students are my favorite part of teaching and I cannot wait to connect with each of you this year. Reach out, connect, ask questions, and be an active part of the community this semester.

To my fellow instructors, understand that students face challenges, both similar and some we can't imagine. Treat them with grace and understanding. If a student asks for an extension or other accommodation, think about the courage and vulnerability it takes to approach you.

Second, prioritize student check ins (small groups, and both peer and instructor one-on-one time) and really listen to them. These students might see you as the only person willing to listen to them – then know campus resources that can be helpful for their health/success.

Finally, I ask that you think about your own health and well-being as much as you can. Some of you are dealing with being a teacher, taking care of toddlers (or worse, teenagers), all while trying to do your job full time. Give yourself some grace during this semester.

I’ll close this with two different quotes that might be especially applicable to the upcoming year.
First, “bloom where you are planted”.

Think of what this means in terms of making the most of this semester (and 2020 in general) in a situation that none of us wished to be in. We all are going to go through this semester, and making the most of the situation will dictate our paths moving forward.

Think about what success is for you (which might be different than past semesters) and keep these goals in mind (knowing they might change). We are capable of growth in these times, and although it will not be easy and growth will look different for everyone, growth is possible.

Second, we are all in the same storm, but we each find ourselves in different boats.

Even though we all find ourselves in Boise (or the US, or International), the multiple crises we all face mean different challenges for all of us. Remember to take some time to and thought about what others are facing when thinking about others.

Good luck this year! Take a moment to breath, prepare for whatever might come our way, show gratitude for what you have in your life, and remember, we’re all in this together! Take care of yourselves, and if you can, take care of someone you care about.