Inspiring Women SUMMER 2020

What is the most important thing you have discovered about yourself and others through COVID-
19? I have come to realize even more how privileged we are in terms of the freedom and the
luxuries we have, and how quickly that can all disappear. Our world is far less equal than any of
us may think. While some kids are thriving, many students do not have a laptop or have to share
one with their siblings, which makes setting tasks or video lessons more complicated. This proves
that there is a much greater social divide even within schools and our own country and
illustrates how these socioeconomic aspects affect learning and can leave some children
behind if we’re not careful.
I’ve also learned how community has never been more important than it is now. The
compassion toward one another has been overwhelming in the last months. All the efforts,
support and services that have been springing up since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis
show that hard times really do bring out the best in all of us. We are all in this together; the
emotions that many people are going through are the same as what many others are
experiencing as well. We should all be willing to do our part for the greater good of the public.
I recently read an article that said “Beating this virus is not just about survival – it must surely be
about creating a better world.” This is an important point that highlights the opportunities we
also have through this crisis to make the world a better place.
What do you do to keep on top of your own stress and mental health during COVID-19?
It is so much more difficult to separate work and life now. We use Microsoft Teams for our classes,
and we seem to have become even more accessible and reachable than before. I receive
messages 24/7, even during vacations. I really have to remind myself to set boundaries for my
own well-being.
So, since schools closed in mid-
March, I have been going for a 10
km run every morning before school
starts, rain or shine. The Tiergarten in
Berlin is so peaceful in the morning
and is especially beautiful with all
the flowers blooming at the
moment. Running clears my mind to
prepare for the day ahead.
I have also found that it is important
for me to maintain communication
with my family and friends. Zoom
video calls with friends or my
family’s daily video call in the
evening including Bamberg, Berlin
and Houston have become an
essential part of my life.
I have also tried to take more time
for myself to work on a big crossstitching
project – a favorite
pastime, that I, unfortunately do not
usually have a lot of time for. My
Corona project is a beautifully
detailed cross stitch design from
Charleston, South Carolina, where I
grew up.
I especially miss Boston in the Spring when the magnolias are in full
bloom
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