A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I often get focused on a particular word, either because it’s literary sounding and interesting, or because I can reflect on its deeper meaning. This week, the word is resilience.

In my role as Board President for an independent school, I’m working on a Covid-19 response plan to be ready to safely open our school as soon as possible, and to create contingency plans for the various scenarios we may have to face in this strange new world. In the course of this work, I’ve been privileged to communicate and collaborate with heads of school all over the world. Their innovative thinking, devotion to the health and safety of the children, and thoughtful approach is inspiring and gives me confidence that we will find a way through this world-altering event.

Every one of the educators I’ve spoken with - who are either working with distance learning plans, or, in the case of the European schools, trying to bring children back to campus - have said how resilient the students have been. My colleagues have shown exceptional resiliency and dedication. I see this resiliency in my own children, in the way they have found joy, camaraderie, and innovation in maintaining relationships, supporting their friends, and tackling their school work. I’ve found this resiliency in my group of friends and in my creative community.

Nothing is as it was, and it may not be for a while. But, I am encouraged when I’m able to usefully participate in finding a new path forward. We humans are resilient creatures, we’re creative, and we still have each other to rely on.

“Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good.” ― Elizabeth Edwards