This story initially appeared on Behind the Whistle, the official blog of the IWLCA, and is being republished with permission from the organization. Erica Bamford is the head coach at Yale.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: To say the last 12 months have been a challenge would be a gross understatement. Our world has been upended by a global pandemic, social unrest, violence and political divisiveness. At the same time, we have witnessed the incredible strength and remarkable resilience of people across the world. It gives me hope that we can withstand this pandemic and also continue the critical work necessary to end the systemic hate, racism and violence in an effort to unite our country.
While the gravity of the situation can be overwhelming, heartbreaking and anxiety inducing, we have come a long way in a short amount of time. To be clear, there are people who are much smarter than me making profound observations about the complex state of the world, our growth and our path forward. I have been tasked by a very persistent Danie Caro to point out the more superficial lessons we have learned living in our new remote, virtual and highly sanitized environments. So, stick with me as we share some of the lighter, more memorable (or ones we want to forget) changes that 2020-21 graciously dumped on us!
What we have learned in the last 12 months
10. We were introduced to Zoom and its elaborate rules of etiquette. Make sure you mute upon arrival. Unmute when you talk. Visibly texting on zoom is rude. Eating meals on Zoom is frowned upon (but often necessary). Show your whole face on Zoom and avoid the nostril angle. If you are sending a private message, make sure it’s not to everyone. If you have your camera on, I suggest an appropriate top with leisure bottoms. But bottoms are MANDATORY!
9. We popularized the phrases “at this moment in time,” “it could all change,” “from what we know right now,” and “be flexible and be ready for this to change.”
8. We would all be millionaires if we invested in Netflix, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Instacart, Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Zoom and for some odd reason, Tesla.
7. I am not speaking from experience here, BUT if you had a little “problem” with online shopping pre-pandemic, you may now be on a first (and last) name basis with your Amazon, UPS, FedEx and USPS drivers. There is absolutely NO judgement. They may even yell, “See you tomorrow!” when hopping back into their trucks.
6. We have QUICKLY determined the loud talkers in your household. Not trying to point any fingers, but let’s just say it’s not me.