Parent Reflection: Compassion & Empathy
SJK parent and Associate Professor in the Religion and Culture Department at Wilfrid Laurier University, Meena Sharify-Funk, took a moment to reflect on the common elements of remote teaching and remote learning at the secondary and post-secondary levels.
"I teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses from Love and Its Myths to Stories and the Sacred. Wilfrid Laurier University suspended all in-person class sessions starting on March 16. Since then, I have been working from home and providing online support to my students as they complete their coursework requirements and finish the Winter 2020 term. To the best of my ability, I have tried to stay connected to motivate my students during these challenging times.
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As an educator, I recognize that students are the reason why I teach. When a student thanks me for a class I always say that I am just a mirror of the student! In my opinion, we professors should be thanking our students for all of their courageous efforts to finish their learning, especially as they are experiencing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This being the end of a university term, students are already stressed with all the juggling of responsibilities and concerns over their future. Now with the global pandemic, I have witnessed their anxieties increase. Although many are carrying on without complaint, a number of students have shared their fears and their emotional exhaustion. In light of this, I feel that one of my greatest responsibilities as an educator during these times is to sincerely care, to see the whole student, and to take into account the context of their life beyond my class.
University students’ lives have been completely disrupted. For instance, during the first week of self-isolation, an in-class comprehensive exam had been scheduled for one of my courses; however, the students were also expected to leave the university residencies. Therefore, I worked with my students to provide them a new online, essay-based exam that gave them more flexibility and especially time in order to demonstrate their knowledge from the term.
From students who are struggling with health concerns to international students who are unable to fly home and be with their families, there are many students who are feeling isolated and scared. As a result, beyond helping my students understand course content and focus their research inquiries, I often find myself acting as a facilitator of heart-to-heart conversations by actively listening and offering support in a variety of ways. For instance, for those students who have shared anxieties about their health, I have helped them find health resources through the Laurier contacts whereas for the students who needed help in concentrating, I helped them develop theses and outlines for their final research papers.
Each week has brought its challenges but also rewards. As a mother, I love (and have always tried) to be present with our son. Being aware of his needs and helping him understand the pandemic is very important to me. However, it is quite challenging to share what we are learning about the pandemic and not overwhelm your child or yourself. These are difficult times. One of the greatest rewards during this time in being a mom is seeing my child feeling safe and happy, and watching him continue to learn and have fun. We should never take for granted the simpler wonders of life, like the making of a home that allows one to have peace of body, mind, and heart. In addition, Nathan and I as SJK parents are so grateful to the SJK faculty and staff for all their wonderful efforts to extend the Grade 7 experience into our home, so that our son can continue his education and continue to explore the world beyond our neighborhood!
To be a student takes great courage. To learn new information and persevere in demonstrating your knowledge, especially during unusual circumstances, is truly marvelous. Give yourself credit for what you accomplish today and know it is part of a larger journey. Perseverance makes one a master of time, by enabling the completion of the tasks we have started and infused with our creative energies. It facilitates our growth, as we discover what we are capable of accomplishing.
A dear professor of mine is known for saying, 'The whole world needs the whole world.' This is a principle that can be applied not only at a global scale, but also in our home, community or classroom. We all have different gifts and insights; when we learn to be resources to one another, all of us benefit. Recognizing this also fosters a healthy sense of humility, openness, generosity, and appreciation for the gifts of others. In times like these, we truly do need one another, and it’s beautiful the way the SJK community is modelling the heart of this idea.
The same professor also said that, 'When we empathize with each other, we discover that human life or the human predicament is so similar in its deeper significance and issues, whatever our society, religion, culture or gender. When we begin to empathize we also start to learn the patterns of human connection.' By remembering the value of empathy, we can all hold on to our essential humanity even in times of social stress. We can be present for others, and compassionate. And extending compassion to anyone helps to increase the peace for everyone."
St. John's Kilmarnock School
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