All of us owe a lot from our education days and the staff members that impacted our lives. I’m no different because education used to be (outside of racing) what I thrived and I owe so much to many staff members I’ve met over the years for molding me into the person I’ve become and continue to be better.
Even some of the friends I’ve met have gone into the education field which is totally admirable.
With the current health crisis, I wanted to have my website be a place where some of those people involved in education or any other profession that they love speak about how it impacts their livelihood.
That being said, here’s my first in what I seriously hope is a continuous series of people I’ve met or anyone that simply wants to share their story.
I sent out a few people some questions to answer regarding what their job occupation and their personality trait (Extrovert, Introvert, Ambivert) because to me it’s important to recognize how they go about things.
The first one to fully respond to my project was James Layman from Spokane, Washington.
James is a Program Director for the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and an ambivert (a balance of both extrovert and introvert).
If there’s one man that really has a passion for what they do, James is one of those people.
Without further ado, here’s the first installment of “Their Own Words” and sure hope you guys understand why the crisis impacts everyone:
Describe how the current health crisis impacts your way of living?
JL: As someone who travels a lot a visits schools all over the state, this crisis has essentially grounded me in staying at home and not traveling. After 2.5 years of heavy-duty travel this has been a definite change of pace.
Based on your description (Introvert, Extrovert and Ambivert), does that play a role in your thoughts?
JL: As an ambivert who leans more towards introvert, this is a different form of recharging. This is isolation versus designated recharge time.
How is your occupation impacted and what does it mean for you?
JL: Our organization laid of 15 people this week. As an origination that makes money off of doing programs including summer camps, this virus has effectively killed our revenue stream. The long term effects could be fatal for us.
Any implications social distancing has on you?
JL: Makes me sad. I live alone, but I empathize for people this has put in a bad situation.
Due to the crisis, were there any plans cancelled or postponed and does it have any significance?
JL: Everything has been cancelled for us, and we have big things forthcoming that if they get cancelled it will be fatal for us. 15 people lost their income this week. They could be more forthcoming. Just a terrible situation.
How are your friends and/or loved ones coping with it?
JL: Not well. A lot of sadness, fear and anxiety out there.
During difficult times, how aware are you that what you’re doing is making a difference for other people?
JL: I’m aware. It does not feel like it is enough. I have no control with anything except doing my best to be my best self for others. I am doing my best to reach out to others and connect.
Any advice you’d like to give for readers?
JL: We need to be in this together and do what is best for one another. This is not about politics, it’s about people. We all have to do our part, follow directives from the experts and be intentional about connecting with one another.