Students lean on supportive families during pandemic

The Ryerson family of Chicago had their four young children enrolled in Chicago Public Schools when the pandemic hit nearly two years ago. They had to abruptly adapt to remote learning while parents Mark and Rebecca tried to keep up with their full-time work schedules.

“It was awful—especially the lack of human interaction and schools trying to figure out how to navigate this new world,” Rebecca Ryerson said. “There was no way we could support four kids and their Zoom schedules.”

When virtual school threatened again the following year, the family began a search for alternatives and transferred the children to a new school for the 2021-22 school year.

“I can now look back and think about the positives,” Ryerson said. “My kids are so adaptable and flexible.”

On her first day at her new school, Ryerson’s first-grade daughter assured her, “Don’t worry, Mom, I got this!” Ryerson says her children are young and don’t really remember pre-pandemic school. “We are moving forward together,” she said.

Madison Thornton, a sophomore at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, saw her school experience change drastically when the pandemic hit. “I was in eighth grade when COVID first came,” Thornton said. “I was full of emotions, and I was grieving the loss of my grandfather. I had to adjust to remote learning and life just felt totally different for me.”

Thornton credits her family with helping her navigate the pandemic challenges and considers herself blessed to have an incredible support system. “My mother taught me that hard work pays off, so always give your best and work hard no matter what,” Thornton said.

Thornton maintained her 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also slated to graduate early as a junior.

Aarika Johnson is a second-year graduate student at National Louis University, an educational journey that has always been remote for her. “My professors, peers and my support system have been nothing but supportive and have made this experience positive,” said Johnson, who is also working full-time as a teacher while she completes her degree.

“My family motivated me to go back to school during the pandemic and has supported me in every possible way,” Johnson added. “They have helped me to always work hard, believe in myself and pray.”

Though she isn’t sure what the future holds for school, Johnson is planning to finish her program strong. “Hopefully things change and the world can come back to normal,” she said.