Pulse - April 2022 - 18

THE RVT
Illuminators in Uncertain Times
Fov'e Hardy, RVT
T
here is no doubt the Covid-19 pandemic
has had an effect on the education system
here in the United States. Nicholas
Beck, a current student from Stanbridge University
stated on January 22,2022 that, " When I
enrolled at Stanbridge University, COVID was
at its peak. This meant that all my classes, including
labs, were held online. Being in the comfort
of my own home made the classes more difficult
than others; there was more room for distractions
and some of the material was harder to
retain depending on the course. "
Davina Moreno mentioned, " Due to Covid, I
lost my dream job. At first, it was only for a
couple of months. However, my place
of employment opened its doors
and yet received a call to come
back. So, with that, I had to
think of my future and where
I would land. "
Considering
our
students'
experiences, how can
we bring light as illuminators
and brighten the pathway
so they can reach their
goals? It is indisputable that
the human need for face-toface
interaction is both normal
and good for our mental
well-being. Virtual classes, and
other social distancing practices, have
caused a disconnect in students as well
as in educators. At Stanbridge University in
Irvine, California, my colleagues, and I worked
countless hours to adapt to challenging demands both
immediately present, and also to try to mitigate issues
that looked like they would arise in the future. As educators,
we don't just give them homework, and simply tell
them " it is due tomorrow. " Instead, we take interest in
our students, especially now, not only for the ones doing
well but for those that need additional support. I personally
look for things such as their personal hygiene-
are they dressed okay, or is their grooming disheveled?
Do they look disengaged or disconnected? How is their
coursework, and what about their test scores?
As an illuminator, make it a point to reach-out to my
students. I give them my email address, phone number, and
I make myself available. There are so many resources out
18
there to make the online learning fun, engaging, and supportive:
Kahoot, Google Docs, virtual team story board, Microsoft
Teams, Padlet, email check-ins, and mental health hotlines. You
must strive to be more than just a teacher, as for students you are
a parental figure, a friend, and a confidant. It is always important
to remind them that they are more than just a cohort.
We must constantly remind them that they are not alone,
and one way to do this is to remind them that these unprecedented
times are affecting everyone. I have found that
another important part of being supportive is to also hold
them accountable, and I do this by letting them know where
they need to improve, and where they are doing well. I listen
to their concerns and struggles. Students must work multiple
jobs, take care of their kids or family, and deal with depression,
and other health issues. Emma Pearce, a former student,
said, " Our professors genuinely cared about us and our education.
They would tutor us in their free time, spending extra
time with us on concepts and subjects that were difficult to
learn online. Every instructor was easily to reach via email
or text to answer any questions we might have and would
always go beyond to ensure our success. "
It is important for an illuminator to take care of themselves.
The effects of this pandemic affect educators as well, remembering
we too are human. Remember the old proverb: physician
heal thyself. Such things as diet, exercise, and mental
well-being go a long way in helping us meet our challenges. As
I must manage my rheumatoid arthritis, diet and exercise are
necessary. I also have my hobbies such as painting, drawing, and
my babies-my cats and dogs that bring me joy and have even
helped me when I am down. Sometimes even just going for a
walk- on the beach, a park, or just around the neighborhoodcan
help. Just getting out in the sun can cheer us up. If we do
not have a close personal confidant we can talk to, there are
apps with online programs to help us with our mental wellness.
If we are not at our best, how can we help our students?
Let us make effective use of the resources available to us.
Even though we cannot change everything that is going
on in the world, we can help ourselves and our students.
Remind them even if they are not cheering, you will be
that cheering squad.
Remember: there is no light without illumination, so be
the pathway for their future. P
Fov'e Hardy, RVT Instructor
Stanbridge University
APRIL 2022
PULSE
Pulse - April 2022

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