When I take a minute to reflect on the past 2ish years of our lives, it feels like a blur. Has it really been 2 years? It feels like it has been simultaneously a longer and shorter period of time. The past 2 years have been filled with heartbreak, tragedy, miracles, tears and a drive for change and action. We have been through a collective experience that has forced us all to be flexible and change in ways we haven't known are possible. It has created long lasting effects that will stick with many of us for years to come, or even for the rest of our lives. Not only have we been through a global pandemic, but there have been events that have made us reflect as a country and caused us to step into action to help make our world a more equitable place for everyone. For me, music is a form of therapy. A way to plunge myself into a different world or a place to meet the artist with the emotions I have been feeling so alone in. I made a playlist that captures feelings, emotions, thoughts and experiences that have been part of my life over the past 2 years. Listen to my Soundtrack to the 2020s (so far) playlist.
My Soundtrack to the 2020s (so far) playlist includes the following songs and a brief explanation as to why I chose that song:
We are Family- 1995 Remaster by Sister Sledge
Teaching virtually was a very new experience and presented many challenges in itself. Throughout the experience, I found myself continuing to come back to the idea that my class is a family and we have to lean on each other like a family does. The concept of a family has stuck with my teaching practice even being back to an in-person classroom setting. I believe that creating a classroom community that emulates a family helps with student relationships, confidence and success, giving this song and its message a strong meaning.
Stronger by Kelly Clarkston
The past 2 years made us all stronger in ways we never knew possible (even if we did not want to be made stronger)! I appreciate how this song talks about the hardships that exist when going through challenges and acknowledges the set backs that we face in our lives. This song makes me feel comforted in my feelings of sadness, anguish and stress and in turn makes me feel stronger for working through these emotions and taking lessons from them.
I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty
The last 2 years presented unimaginable challenges, but in the face of these challenges, I tried to keep my head up high and not back down from the difficulties presented. Facing challenges is difficult and requires perseverance, which reminds me of this song. Staying confident in your abilities during hard times is not easy, but this song is a good reminder to keep on keepin' on. The line "there ain't no easy way out," reminds me of all the events that have occurred over the past 2 years and how many were challenging and none were easy, but with a perseverant attitude, it is possible to keep pushing and learning.
Intentions (feat Quavo) by Justin Bieber, Quavo
Teaching in the midst of a global pandemic required intentional planning, lessons and teaching. We had to be intentional about what we were doing and planning during virtual learning. Not only did teaching require good intentions, but other aspects of life at this time required intentional conversations and thinking. In the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, I had intentional conversations, read intentional books and did intentional research on ways I could help support my community.
Mask Off by Future
As challenging as the past couple years have been, we have progressed enough to be able to take our masks off at school and look at our classmates and friends faces, and that felt like a small victory! It also represents an era of our lives that we spend wearing masks. Masks represented on only a public health tool, but the challenges that we faced with interpersonal connections during the height of the pandemic. It was often difficult to not see people's faces and be able to fully look at someone and converse with them. While they were necessary and still are a necessary tool for disease prevention, it was harder to get to know students, parents, coworkers through this period of time. However, I will cherish seeing people's faces now and being able to continue personal connections with people.
Never Really Over by Katy Perry
This pandemic and the lessons we have learned will stay with us for a while. Many hard lessons were learned, but also lessons on growth, flexibility and kindness will stay with this newfound perspective.
Look How Far We've Come by Quinn XCII
The last few years have been challenging, but it is nice to reflect on how far we have come. I have grown so much as an educator because of the situations that have happened over the past 2 years. In the face of challenges, we have molded and shifted our thinking and it is important to give yourself space to realize how much growth has occurred.
Change (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift
Change is inevitable. Whether it is a pandemic (hopefully not again!), new curriculum, a new school, etc., we go through changes all the time in our life. It is essential to be flexible. Also, I included this song because we are the ones who can make change and use our voices for good.
Crazy Beautiful Life by Kesha
I am grateful everyday for this crazy life. It has been a very challenging 2 years but I am extremely grateful for many things in my life and the past 2 years has given me space to reflect on all I have and what I can do to help others.
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