My Covid-19 Story from the SP Point of View

By: Johnnie Anderson
Submitted by: Kerensa Peterson, NBOME

Q: How has your experience as an SP changed since the pandemic? I miss seeing, sharing ideas and just talking with fellow SPs and working face-to-face with the SP educators, medical students and professionals.
Q: Have you had to look for other work? If so, what are you doing? I’m so grateful for what’s happening now.  Prior to the pandemic, I was teaching dance fitness in addition to SP work. At the inception of the Stay-at-Home orders and social distancing requirements, I put the creative juices to work after determining what brings me pleasure and fulfillment. Facilitating dance fitness was near the top of the list. Although, I was teaching in-person prior to and at the time the pandemic hit, I researched and decided to offer online classes. I’m so grateful for facilitating 3 classes a week plus occasional customized group classes via Zoom! Participation has been great. There’s a fee for each class, but I also offer “or pay what you can if you can” option. I want anyone who’d like to engage in a dynamic fitness program that’s truly good for the mind, body and spirit to join in.

Q: What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you as an SP during this time? One of the medical schools was fortunate in obtaining a wellness grant to provide 2 classes for their SPs at no cost! I’m hoping the SPs will realize what a thoughtful gesture this is, how the customized classes could benefit them and be in attendance.

Q: What’s the kindest thing you’ve done for someone else during this time? Mostly to offer the dance fitness classes for minimal or no cost. Requested dance fitness class participants to forgo paying me and to make donations to worthy organizations needing funds during this critical time.

Q: What’s the most difficult thing about returning to SP work or the prospect of going back to SP work for you?  Meeting the schedule of SP work, now that my dance fitness classes are working out so nicely for the participants.

Q: What’s been the most challenging part of the pandemic for you outside of SP work? I miss face-to-face interactions with family, friends, co-workers and participants in in-person dance fitness classes.  I also miss traveling.

Q: From your perspective as an SP, what advice would you give to SP educators around the world? While it’s more challenging to carry out the responsibilities in the current environment, it is also an exciting opportunity to engage their creative energies to do so. Be gentle on themselves, embrace the necessary different ways of carrying out tasks and amp up ways of connecting with their co-workers and SPs in an authentic manner because we’re all going through this together. Being supportive and understanding of each other result in more positive and productive outcomes.

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Comments on "My Covid-19 Story from the SP Point of View"

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Mary Lyman - Monday, September 14, 2020
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Thank you so much for submitting such an uplifting and inspirational story! Appreciate you taking the time to offer your perspective on how SP Educators can alleviate stress for ourselves and others. Kudos to you on your online dance fitness classes, Ms. Anderson! Lorraine Lyman, Sr. SP Educator, Eastern Va. Medical School

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