University of Montana physics class, Missoula, MT, 1/17/1919. NARA ID 26429679.

Closeup of very cold students trying to learn physics.

Class picture, Benson Polytechnic School, Portland, OR, 10/27/1918. NARA ID 86716938

Closeup of students with masks -- around their necks.

Happy, unmasked boys doing community service. Original caption: “While schools were closed during the influenza epidemic, American children made toys for their unfortunate brothers and sisters overseas. Denver, CO. 12/2/1918. NARA ID 20808596.

Dos and Don’ts for Back to School, Pandemic Edition

DO hold classes outside when possible!  

DON’T hold them outside in Montana in January, the coldest month of the year, with average temperatures around 22 degrees F.  

DO make sure all students have masks!

DON’T let them wear their masks around their necks, not even for class photos!

DO encourage community service!

When would be a good time to change the world? Now. Let’s take a lesson from our current situation: governments CAN move fast, solidarity and human interaction ARE a big deal, our planet DOES respond quickly to the decrease of human pollution, we really CAN be happy living and consuming more slowly and deliberately. When we get back to our ‘normal’ lives, let sustainability, equality and compassion be the NEW NORMAL. Until then: stay home, stay safe. ✌️

Jangan Percaya New Normal!

Karena perubahan dan ketidakpastiaan bukankan hal yang paling pasti dalam kehidupan?

Begitupun esok, kita tak akan pernah tahu seperti apa masa depan. Empat bulan #dirumahaja terasa cepat berlalu, namun ternyata sudah lama juga. Sudahkah kita mulai terbiasa?

Kalu di bulan pertama kamu belum terbiasa, itu adalah hal yang wajar. Namun bila di bulan keempat kamu masih seperti sebelumnya, bukankah seharusnya menjadi pertanyaan?

Ada ataupun tidak ada corona, seharunya kemampun beradaptasi adalah hal yang patut kita latih dan biasakan bukan?