Heidy George is the Program Associate for Student Diversity and Inclusion. When she manages to find spare time, she likes to take dance classes and HGTV her living room.

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I am very much aware of my privilege. I also know that I have many things to be grateful for. And yet, I’m not going to lie…I am struggling. No, like, really struggling. 

Before starting my position at UMBC, I was recuperating from an eleven-month stint as a stay-at-home mom. The experience was simultaneously euphoric and debilitating. For eleven months, I watched in awe: as my baby grew, hit all her milestones and explored the world around her. I held her when she cried, changed what seemed like an impossible amount of diapers and learned how to function without sleep. I am not exaggerating. I no longer know what sleep is. I hear people talk about it and wonder, what is this mystical thing people keep mentioning? It’s as elusive as TikTok. 

But I digress. 

I read a lot of books before becoming a mom. However, the parenting books did not prepare me for any of this. They failed to mention the horrors of projectile diarrhea when your infant is sick, how your heart skips a beat when they smile at you, or that you may be parenting a toddler during a pandemic. 

I had only been working at UMBC for six months before the physical campus was closed. I was really just starting to get the hang of things when we all were informed that we would be working from home. 

After going back to work, I remember sitting at my desk and thinking, “I really miss my baby. I wish I could work from home so that I could spend more time with her.” Wait, am I responsible for all of this? I now know that being a mom means you acquire super-powers. Maybe, I need to be more specific the next time I ask the universe for something. Now I am figuring out how to juggle being a working mom and a professional in a brand new Institution - my living room.

In all honesty, I’m not sure how much more of this my body can take. My back hurts from the lack of exercise (don’t you dare tell me I can exercise at home like I don’t have a seventeen month old!). My eyes hurt from all the Webex, Zoom and Google Hangout meetings. I just may need new glasses because I am pretty sure my eyesight is deteriorating more and more each day. On the upside Aldi’s now delivers in my area and my 17-month-old now knows how to open the bathroom door. 

Yay, milestones!

When well-meaning work folk ask, “how are you?” I honestly struggle with the answer. Is it professional to say that most of the time I don’t have a solid answer? Is it professional to admit that I don’t know if I brushed my teeth this morning before our 9am call? Is it professional to say that most days I really just want my mommy? Is this blog even professional? What is professional anymore? Have I shared too much?

Going back to work was not easy but somehow not being able to go back to work is even harder.

On the toughest days, I rely heavily on a select group of family, friends and colleagues that make me laugh and are able to hold all of my emotions. Their support helps motivate me to push through the sadness. I guess you could call them my village. I hope you have a village to help support you through whatever this is. If not, we always have room for more.

As a result of the pandemic the world is facing, many internships and jobs have been moved to virtual spaces in an effort to encourage social distancing. Don’t worry,it is possible to have a rewarding, meaningful experience while working remotely. If you find yourself in a newly appointed remote situation, consider the tips below to make the most of your experience. This list may also be helpful as you navigate your summer options at companies that are planning to host remote interns.

1. Communicate clearly and often. While communication is a key part of any position, in remote situations you do not have the luxury of being in the same space as everyone else. Dropping by to chat with your co-workers or supervisor whenever you feel like it won't be as easy. Make sure you set up clear lines of communication, or even schedule more frequent check-ins.
   
   

2. Master your technology. While most people have some technological capabilities these days, that does not mean we are experts. You will likely find yourself being challenged to use technology in new ways while working remotely. As you are exposed to new online platforms and programs, take the time to make notes, figure things out, and ask questions. It is okay not to know how something works, and you will benefit from seeking guidance either from manuals or help from co-workers/supervisors.
   
   

3. Consider your work environment. When working remotely, try to find a space where you can comfortably work, but away from where you might conduct leisure activities. This can help break up your day and distinguish between your working hours and your personal time. For those with family or roommates around, consider a discussion on how to share the space and time in your homes to allow everyone to work effectively.
   
   

4. Follow a schedule. Another way to keep on track is to set a daily/weekly schedule for yourself. Especially on days where other items can compete for time and attention, you can set yourself up for success by focusing on work during  times when you are less likely to be interrupted.