By Lyonel Doherty
Making the best of a global pandemic is hard enough, but having to self-distance from your parents really sucks.
Just ask Jordyn and Travis Nelson, two Grade 7 students from Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary School.
But the one positive is their thumbs are turning green. Say what?
The siblings have been busy with their grandmother, June Nelson, in the school’s new garden. They have been planting fast-growing crops such as lettuce and beans.
Teacher Deirdre Simpson has been organizing times when students and their families can come down to plant crops like kale, spinach and radishes.
“It’s an opportunity for them to see their project (garden) come through and to give back (to the community).”
Principal Patsy-Anne Takacs said the school helps more than a dozen students with food support (via gift cards and hampers).
“So far that number has grown each week (we started with seven),” she pointed out.
Jordyn and Travis like the fact they are helping other people who really need assistance, especially during the pandemic.
“It makes you feel good that you’re helping other people in need because of these hard times,” Travis said. “We are learning new things as a group and connecting with other people, making better friendships.”
Jordyn said she’s learning that gardening is a delicate process but very rewarding.
The brother and sister duo are currently living with their “nana” because their parents are essential service workers during the pandemic. That means they have to keep their distance (six feet) from their parents, and everyone else.
They go on bike rides with mom but have to pedal two metres behind her.
“It’s a little bit hard,” Jordyn said. “Mom came over to help us with our school work, and we had to stay six feet apart, and once she left I almost went to hug her, and said, wait, no, can’t do that.”
During this crisis, Jordyn copes by drawing anime, which is one of her favourite pastimes. She also reads a lot. Travis also likes drawing.
But now that school is back in session (virtually), they have plenty of homework to keep them busy.
Jordan said online learning is a new experience for her.
“It’s a bit harder mainly because at least at school you always have somebody to help you. But at home you don’t always have that support.”
Travis said he is in contact with friends through social media to make sure they are doing okay.
“It’s a little bit stressful; you just have to go with the flow and listen to the (health) officials.”
Travis said it appears people are following the rules as much as they need to.
“You can’t force people to do it; you can just remind them . . . sometimes we have to remind ourselves.”
Jordyn said she believes the pandemic will die down this summer.
“I don’t think it’s going to go away, but I think it will be a little bit better.”
