BY: RACHEL WUMKES
As I sat down to begin my journey through this blog post, I couldn’t help but wonder why both teacher and nurse appreciation weeks were scheduled at the same time. I mean, why lump them together? Are there not enough weeks in the year to give them each their own?
Seriously.
It made me wonder if there was any animosity between the two professions. An inkling of unrest because they had to share a week of appreciation instead of getting their own. And then I saw this… from a nurse to a teacher!
It hit me, at that point, how similar the two professions really are. How it takes individuals with a tender heart, an abundance of patience, and a certain amount of determination and grit to be a teacher or a nurse.
They are both superheroes in my book… or, in this case, my blog post!
While thanking teachers should really be a year-long act, we have a great opportunity during Teacher Appreciation Week to spoil our educators. While the celebrated ‘day’ is May 4th, the official designated week falls from May 3rd through May 7th.
This year, more than ever, we owe them our thanks for their amazing dedication and commitment to students and families. Our teachers were faced with an intense difficulty, a fear of the unknown, at the start of the 2021 school year. Forced to follow unheard of guidelines and teach in a way they never have before.
And they knocked it out of the park.
I know I’m not the only parent out there who had their eyes opened drastically last spring. Y’all remember that homeschool and virtual learning debacle? I pray with every ounce of my being we never have to go through that again. I love my children; they are each awesome in their own special way.
But a teacher… I am not.
To pamper our beloved teaching staff throughout the community, local businesses and organizations have a few special surprises up their sleeves for next week. Without letting the cat out of the bag, all I can say is it will be a celebration of epic proportions as they are showered with appreciation, love… and gifts!
How exciting!
As for nursing, well, that is one profession not meant for the faint of heart. Nurses deal with life, death, and everything in between.
Nursing has come a long way over the years. Healthcare organizations are recognizing the importance of strong nurse leadership, and nurses across the United States are rising to the challenge. In 2020, we celebrated “The Year of the Nurse” and it is extended into this year’s celebration which runs from April 29th through May 12th. There is a lot to celebrate as nurses continually step up to answer the call. To put the well being of their patients ahead of their own.
It’s fitting, then, that the 2021 celebration is officially deemed “We Answer the Call” because that’s exactly what nurses have done through this pandemic. They have put themselves in the direct line of battle, going up against a tiny but deadly virus with everything in their power to protect those around them. Especially now more than ever, nurses deserve our support, appreciation, and respect.
To honor the nurses in our area, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce has a little treat for nurses! We currently have a supply of prints available AT NO CHARGE for nurses. Simply stop into the Chamber office, show your ID badge, and choose from a Community Creation Clear Lake Collage or a Sunset Print.
There will be no holds… this is strictly on a first come, first serve basis until the prints are gone.
Teachers and Nurses have more dedication and heart than any other profession. I hope your celebration week rejuvenates and invigorates each of you, reminding you why you chose to enter into these professions.
We celebrate you. We are thankful for you.
Happy Appreciation Week!