Recovering What was Stolen by Embracing the Process of Rebuilding

Abstract

This essay recounts a journey of one woman in higher education responding to and coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey for all women in STEM is diverse, yet likely one common thread is a high standard for competence. Our ability to feel confident in our competence is threatened by the isolation and disruption brought on by the pandemic. The hope is that by sharing this personal narrative, the reader may be inspired to rebuild the areas of life needing attention. Self-care is time well spent, if for no other reason than to be able to regain what was lost. The ultimate goal is to rebuild back to a point of being resilient enough to serve as advocates for ourselves and others. By serving as confident advocates, women are well positioned to provoke the changes needed in order for institutions to effectively persevere during times of crisis.