… to be laid off during COVID-19

By Ryan Sroka

I am a proud mother of three children who are part of District 158. Macko and Sammy are both juniors and seniors respectively at Huntley. My eldest son Zacahary attends the University of Virginia, but now he is home with us because of the coronavirus pandemic. My passion is to teach and care for my “kids” at the Learning Tree in Huntley. I call them my kids because I truly care about my students more than anything and they make me a better person.

The day I found out I wasn’t going to be able to do that for a while was heartbreaking. It is like I lost my kids.

I became unemployed because of covid-19.

This decision affected 200 families locally and was a difficult one to make. Roughly 45 women were laid off due to COVID-19 and although this is temporary, the financial burden is great for us all.

There is a feeling of anxiousness and fear any time you lose a job.

As COVID-19 got worse and worse there were no other options. I understand that priority number one is to ensure safety of all kids, employees, and families of the community during this time, therefore closing down the Learning Tree was a no brainer.

I find it important to be optimistic during this time. There is a financial burden on my family and it can be stressful and it sucks however the love and well being of our family is far more important. Staying positive during this difficult time will make this time okay.

Not too long ago I lost my mom who was my everything and it was hard on all of us. This time gives us a chance to pack her belongings and to cope with our thoughts.

I will get my job back, but right now amidst everything going on it is not the best feeling not having steady income being brought in. There is just a sense not knowing how long this could go and what other problems could arise. However, it could be a lot worse for us.

For me, this puts family into perspective more than anything. We get wrapped up in our daily hustle of work, sports, etc. and we forget our gifts that are right in front of us like family. It will bring families together. With Sam going to college next fall and Zachary already at Virginia, this time has allowed us to spend quality time with one another that we will probably never get back.

I do love how I have been able to cook more, although my kids would probably not agree!

My heart does break for you seniors. I am firsthand experiencing your pain because I can see it in my son Sammy who is a senior. My best advice for you guys is to stay focused, stay positive, and hold on to your amazing memories. These last couple weeks don’t define the last 4 years and really the day you started district 158 back in kindergarten.. You’re still going to stay connected with those friendships, those won’t go away just because you have to stay at home which is really important.Your future is right in front of you.

I do miss all my preschoolers. I work with kids from ages 4-12 and I miss all their diverse personalities. God, it’s difficult to not see those kids and families on a daily basis and they are a huge part of who I am. When you have a temporary job loss you can reflect and appreciate the impact you made. I know parents and families will appreciate the teachers and educators more because of this.

I remember that there will be better days ahead. I know me and my family will be okay because we have each other. As for my job, it is hard to not see my kids but the day I get to see them again will be a great day. You can definitely say I will not take them for granted any more.