Feature Story

Persevering through a GLOBAL PANDEMIC

In December 2019, the first human case of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 was reported by officials in Wuhan City, China. Since this infectious disease was detected, it has upended day-today lives across the globe and forever changed the way we live, lead, and learn. Mask mandates, social distancing guidelines, and remote learning have become the “new normal.” Every family, career, and community has been touched by the coronavirus pandemic—yet, FCCLA members and advisers nationwide continue to display hope, strength, and inspiration during this challenging time. For the first time since the organization was founded on June 11, 1945, FCCLA has transformed customarily in-person conferences, Competitive Events, chapter meetings, and more to virtual events. Additionally, students and educators have been forced to find new ways to communicate and connect through virtual platforms, online classrooms, and learning management systems. Although things look a bit different for every FCCLA Chapter and FCS Classroom around the country right now, FCCLA members and advisers alike remain committed to delivering the Ultimate Leadership Experience and making a positive difference in the world today. Read how in spite of these challenging times, members are looking forward toward new horizons and persevering “Beyond Measure” through FCCLA.

“The pandemic has provided the opportunity to do what FCCLA does best: looking positively towards the future, continually serving our communities, and has firmed the resilience of FCCLA in all chapters.”

– Faith Nuss, Member, Illinois

“While this year has presented many setbacks, our chapter has embraced the mission of FCCLA. Members use creative and critical thinking and interpersonal communication as we find new ways to meet as an organization and serve our community. Our character develops and we become more prepared for future careers as we tackle new situations. Ultimately, the current situation has pushed us to become even stronger in our multiple roles of family members, wage earners, and community leaders.”

– Felicia Sanders, Member, Indiana

“Friday, March 13, 2020 will always be a day I will remember; it was the day my school shut down due to COVID-19 and the 2020 Washington State Leadership Conference was postponed. This meant that I had to finish my first year as a state officer in completely uncharted territory. As I learned how to maneuver a new, strange virtual world, I was also preparing to run for my second state officer term. Looking back, despite how chaotic and challenging this past year has been, I have learned how to be flexible and adaptable and I would not trade the skills I have learned and friendships I have formed this year for anything.”

– Kirstin Johnson, Member, Washington

“Growing up, I was naturally shy and introverted. When I was in seventh grade, I remember being barely able to speak in front of my class. My FCCLA Adviser suggested that I join FCCLA, and since joining, I have discovered my voice and evolved into a confident leader. Because of this, I gained the self-confidence to run for a State Executive Council position. Through the officer process, I learned that although this year many not be what we all expected it to be, there is always something good that comes from the unexpected.”

– Brianna Fitzgerald, Member, Ohio

Lead “Beyond Measure”

Being a leader doesn’t always come with a fancy title or extravagant awards. There is no formal training and no one right or wrong way to be successfully lead. Instead, to develop leadership skills and positively influence others, you must focus on how you can serve, empower, and motivate those around you, both in times of triumph and tribulation.

Since 1945, FCCLA has been shaping today’s students to be leaders of tomorrow’s society by providing opportunities for members to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life. Through exploring Career Pathways, participating in National Programs, competing in Competitive Events, attending national conferences, and running for office, members learn how to plan, set goals, solve problems, make decisions, and improve interpersonal communication skills—all which students will take with them into college and their future careers.

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the world we once knew has drastically changed and now more than ever, we are looking to leaders for positivity, direction, and courage. Instead of giving up or giving in, FCCLA leaders have risen above and pressed forward despite facing immense challenges and insurmountable hardships throughout this past year.

Serve “Beyond Measure”

Despite social distancing guidelines, communities across America are closer now than ever before. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, FCCLA members and advisers nationwide have stepped up to help support families, careers, and communities in this time of need—proving that you can serve “Beyond Measure” safely during a global pandemic. FCCLA chapters everywhere have had to pivot when planning community service projects throughout this school year and as a result, have discovered innovative project ideas, addressed new community needs, and utilized digital platforms to reach a wider audience while creating an even bigger impact. We were inspired with how our FCCLA family continued to serve their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few of their stories.

“When I asked my FCCLA Adviser to lead a Power of One community service project benefiting our county’s home for women, I was a little overwhelmed. I was a freshman; I was just starting my journey with FCCLA; what could I possibly do to serve these women? I continued to repeat to myself the power of one. In one week, I was able to increase awareness of the Emmanuel House by bringing attention to my community of who and what the house serves, as well as raise enough donations to cover housing necessities and food and baby supply donations to last the Emmanuel House from Christmas into the beginning of March. Participating in this community service project ultimately proved to me that the Power of One is more than a catchy bulletin board phrase, it is the power or words, put into action, not only impacting the lives of those around you, but forever impacting your own life as well.”

– Eden Daniel, Member, Tennessee

“In a world that has been flipped upside down, our FCCLA chapter has managed to pull through and help our community and fellow members. We decided to send handwritten letters to local nursing home residents. Knowing that their visitation hours have been extremely limited and that it has been tough during this pandemic, we wrote letters to brighten up their days. Our FCS Teacher sent the letters to three different nursing homes, and two of them wanted to respond back. It is through our acts of kindness and wanting to give back to our community that we can spread the word about how FCCLA has changed us and can be beneficial to those wanting the same experience.”

– Jadyn Abbey, Member, Arizona

“Our chapter has gone “Beyond Measure” by Teach “Beyond Measure” trying to uphold the values and mission of The coronavirus pandemic has forever changed FCCLA despite how educators teach and students learn. Although COVID-19. Now today’s classrooms look different for everyone, instead of a pen schools are taking the necessary steps to protect and paper being the normal, a mask, hand the health, safety, and well-being of both its sanitizer, and laptops are the norm within students and staff. my classroom. I am teaching virtually and in-person, so each class is different presenting COVID has made it harder than ever to teach unique challenges. The dependence on the “Beyond Measure.” Keeping students motivated, internet is something new, but we have found engaged, and connected during a global ourselves being very reliant on technology in pandemic may seem like a constant uphill battle general. My in-person students utilize their at times but the leadership of teachers and school computers too because we are practicing administrators make all the difference. While we social distancing and cannot share materials. don’t know when this coronavirus pandemic will be It is so disheartening not to stand right by a over, or what the world will be like after, vaccines student to help them or simply greet them with are currently being developed and distributed a high-five in the morning. As hard as this is, across the globe. In the meantime, take advantage we remain optimistic knowing that this too of this time apart to focus on who and what you shall pass.”

– TaQuila Thomas, Adviser, Georgia

“My classroom has changed tremendously due to COVID-19. Presently, I teach both in-person and virtually. My day consists of making sure that students are following the guidelines in terms of wearing a mask and social distancing. All of my FCCLA chapter meetings are virtual. Although my chapter is small in size this year, I have a group of excellent, dedicated leaders who are going to change the world.”

– Pearl Johnson, Adviser, Georgia

It is normal to feel overwhelmed with everything going on in our world right now. However, never lose sight of your ability to make a difference by supporting and serving others. We are in this together!

Learn “Beyond Measure”

If you’re like most, your daily screen time has increased since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. With a growing number of schools shifting to distance learning every day and students spending more time at home than ever before, we are now relying more heavily on our computers and cell phones to live, work, and learn. Think, in the past year, how has your school day changed? Are you still waking up at the same time as you did a year ago? What do you wear to class every day? How do you communicate with your teachers and friends? Do you commute to school every day or stay at home? COVID-19 has affected every student and school differently, partially due to varying state restrictions and decisions made by school administrators.

Although COVID-19 has largely disrupted traditional classroom settings, students have found new ways to learn. We asked students across the nation to describe a day in the life of an FCCLA member during the global coronavirus pandemic and how their school day and FCCLA chapter experience has changed due to COVID-19. Read how students are adjusting to this “new normal” of learning.

COVID-19 has forever changed our classrooms but nonetheless, students are still learning, educators are still teaching, and FCCLA members are still leading. Although times may be tough right now, FCCLA is paving the way and proving the difference our members and advisers can make today to better society of tomorrow. “Since the coronavirus outbreak, the global increase of reliance on technology required me to learn new ways to advocate for myself in order to reach my full potential. Usually, the commute from my house to my school is approximately one mile, but now, my commute is a mere four feet as I simply wake up every morning and walk from my bed to my desk. The luxury of rolling out of bed a few minutes before logging on to my first class would be enjoyable if it weren’t for the pandemic. Throughout this year, I have had to adapt to using video conferencing as my main source of communication which has not been an easy transition. If I have learned anything from this pandemic, it has taught me to break the boundaries of normalcy and test my limits of perseverance.”

– Haley Reid, Member, Ohio

“In a year of pandemic challenges, we have been creating chapter experiences for members to continue to serve our school and community. From virtual officer and chapter meetings, to virtual and in-person socially distanced projects, we are striving to keep our chapter members engaged and excited about the opportunities available through FCCLA.”

– Emma Sellers, Member, Virginia

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced uncertainty into every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Amidst all the challenges the coronavirus has caused, we will persevere. Currently the coronavirus vaccine is continuing to be rolled out across the world and states are slowing starting to loosen certain restrictions. Experts are anticipating that life will be “back to normal” when we reach herd immunity which relies on a significant portion of the population getting the vaccine and becoming immune to the infectious virus as soon as possible. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Chief Medical Advisor to President Joe Biden, anticipates needing between 70% and 95% of people to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity.

Although we do not know for certain when that will be, we continue to rely on our families, careers, and communities as we lead, serve, teach, and learn “Beyond Measure.” In addition, we asked members and advisers from around the country to choose one-word to describe how they have gone “Beyond Measure” during this school year, be sure to check them out below! Which word would you have selected?