“Back to School” and Back Again

Facing a Yearly Uncertainty in a New Way

In 1932, facing the start of his presidency, with a country and a world in deep turmoil and uncertainty from the ravages of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt confidently stated:

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” 

Late August and September are traditionally a time of mixed emotions. On the one hand, we’re sad that those “lazy, hazy, crazy” days of summer are winding down. It’s back to work as well as back to school. On the other hand, just as we’re wondering where the summer went, the weather will soon turn cooler, which can only mean that holiday planning, observances and celebrations will soon be upon us. 

For children in particular, back to school usually means both excitement and a certain amount of trepidation. As parents, we are there to comfort our kids’ natural reticence about leaving the comfort of home and family to face new situations on their own, even if it’s just for a few hours a day in the safety of a classroom. Even older students and young adults in college are equally nervous about what the fall semester may have in store. 

But in this back-to-school season, we are all facing new uncertainties given the new realities around us. In February, the lockdowns forced students of all ages and their parents to adapt to something entirely out of their comfort zones: homeschooling and remote learning. While we all did the best that we could, the familiar classroom setting and curricula, along with the personal interactions between students and teachers, were sorely missed. The severe repercussions of that lost time and lost potential for learning and growth are things that we, as a society, will be dealing with in the years to come. 

Unfortunately, we have seen wasted critical weeks and months in spring and summer without anyone reaching a clear set of concrete contingency plans on reopening or restarting school, as the COVID situation continues to challenge our country. Instead of putting differences aside to reach a solid consensus on the best way forward, once again, parents and children are left to fend for themselves, with potentially another full semester lost.

Medical students and residents face uncertainties about how they will train and how they will learn as well. Healthcare professionals are not immune to this, either. In reopening facilities and going back to some regular routine in hospitals and offices, we are all going “back to school”.

In all this “reopening”, it is sure to be as stressful a time, if not more so, than the initial lockdown. With that, the words of the prophet Isaiah are particularly meaningful and comforting:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Just as we have dealt with the challenges and limitations of learning at home, so too will we confront our anxieties about venturing back into training, whether for yourself or your loved ones, in this new reality. I genuinely believe that living in fear is not living. At some point we must decide that the circumstances we find ourselves in are not nearly as important as how we respond to them. We must remember that we can respect this disease, but we cannot fear it. We should take care not to act foolishly or irresponsibly. But God has also given each of us a purpose and we must seek His guidance in helping us find the courage to venture forth once again and pursue that purpose to the fullest, no matter what challenges lie ahead. If each of us can do that, it will inspire those around us to do the same, and so on. This is how I believe God encourages us to rebuild ourselves and rebuild our communities, both geographic and otherwise.

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Now more than ever, the directors and staff of Beacon 360 are committed to helping our students cope with the challenges of resuming their education and training. As we endeavor to return to some semblance of normal operations, the virus’ impact will no doubt continue to ebb and flow. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve insofar as providing the most accurate advice and information to minimize the impact of any further hardships. Please know that as servants of the Lord, we are always here to comfort and counsel, not only in these still uncertain times but always.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7