No longer waiting to exhale

Written November 9, 2021

The last 18+ months have challenged all of us in ways I never would have imagined, and it feels like finally, we’re seeing glimmers of hope.

Today these two were able to get their first doses through an arrangement between NYC and the DOE. There was a mix of excitement and nervousness, as many of us do not love shots. The first kid to get theirs was in the not a shot lover company, and after the jab, our principal began cheering and all of us who were waiting our turns inside (after waiting in line outside) cheered and clapped too.

We cheered and clapped for every kid after they received their dose. I don’t know if this continued all day, but I hope it did. Experiencing that kind of relief and joy has been a long time coming, and to be able to experience it collectively was something I will never forget.

Thank you to the professionals who showed up today to administer the vaccines and to our school staff, teachers and administrators who coordinated the logistics. Thank you for your patience, for making this magic happen and for the joy and relief our families feel as we move forward, one dose at a time.

Meredith Somsel