A lot has changed in SS since I left and for the better! Being on the 'other side' really puts things into perspective, especially as students and teachers form this tight-knit community. I definitely underestimated how much hard work goes on behind the scenes in order to ensure students have a profound, safe, and educational environment. Perhaps the biggest difference is the sense of accomplishment by giving back to this community that in turn gave me so much!

The experience is challenging but very rewarding. What's most important to me in keeping the campus safe is transmitting a sense of integrity and respect in regards to other members of the community. We all have to do our part to ensure everyone is safe and the school can remain open. The notable level of maturity and respect in the student community is reflected by their altruism and mindfulness for every other member of the school.

Definitely weird. It has taken me a while to adjust and call my former teachers and staff by their first name!

I would like to give a shout-out to all of the members of faculty and staff, for working tirelessly during these uncertain times!

Well obviously when I was a student here, there was no concern about social distancing, masks, or hand sanitizer... but one of the first things I noticed was fashion changes, and I must admit I felt a bit outdated (I'm 21 years old...). The most popular shoes in school used to be Stan Smiths and Vans, but now I'm seeing many more Off Whites, Air Force 1s, and Jordans... Besides that, the renovated cortile and outdoor classroom are beautiful new additions to campus that uphold and add to SSS's style and atmosphere.

Telling kids to maintain a social distance from each other and keeping their masks on is tough... because I can totally understand their frustration. By now, kids know the drill (with the occasional exception), but in enforcing the COVID regulations, you can't help but feel a bit like the bad guy. Of course, these rules are crucial and allow the students to actually be in school... but it is also tough to tell them that they can't play calcetto or sit in groups at lunch and that they must take exams with a mask on. My time as a student at SSS was very different, and while these kids are lucky enough to be in this great school, what is supposed to be a "spensierato" time in your life has been drastically changed.

Still working on it... in my mind, Ms. El-Taha's full name is Ms. El-Taha El-Taha, and Mr. Mayer's is Mr. Mayer Mayer ... but I'll get there.

This pandemic is really tough on both students and teachers... I see both sides...but I think the efforts that teachers have made in "going online" are a big deal. Teaching online is incredibly difficult. Keeping a class engaged is one thing, but doing it through a screen is even tougher! We are getting through this, and I really do feel that SSS's teachers' and administrators' 'can-do' attitude is a huge part of what will get us through this.

St. Stephens has changed a lot yet at the same time remains very familiar. Back when I was a student, I was oblivious to all the work that goes into making sure the school functions as best it can. Being on the other side has allowed me to develop an appreciation of the immense efforts the staff and faculty make in ensuring students have an enjoyable but safe space to grow and develop the person they want to be. The relevant introduction of subjects like robotics and AI shows how SSS has adapted to the times to continuously best place students in their future studies and careers. I empathize with the students and how they have and are having to cope with all the changes to day-to-day life brought about by COVID-19. However, I praise their resilience in adapting as best they can and making the most of their time here.

Initially, it was hard work, as changing a culture and habits tends to necessitate persistence and perseverance. What the Healthy Happy Campus team has tried to do is encourage safe practices both inside and outside of the school. We don’t want to reprimand anyone; we’re just doing our best to keep everyone and their families safe and to help keep the school open. Most kids have adapted well, and continuously adhere to the guidelines, and for that, I want to take this opportunity to commend them.

It definitely took some getting used to! Oftentimes I instinctively call them by the names I did back when I was a student and have to catch myself. That being said, it has been great to get to know the faculty on a more personal level.

It's interesting to see the backbone of the school - how things work from behind the scenes. As a student, I had an idea of how things worked through speaking to staff but it was 10% of what really happens in the background. As a student, the only thing you need to worry about is yourself and going to class. Coming back as an employee during a pandemic is definitely interesting; there’s a lot of crisis management. I'm glad to have been able to learn from those around me how to be good on my feet! There's a lot more that happens than I had imagined, so grateful for the amazing people that work here.

Fascinating, to say the least. Some parts can be very frustrating - it's not exactly nice to be the person on campus that is always telling people off. We are the annoying people on campus, and I understand the sentiment students can have towards us. What is very gratifying, though, is seeing the improvement of the students since we have started doing the work. In the beginning, we had to be very demanding to all of them about distancing, masks, and cafeteria seating, but now it has gotten much better! Our presence now leads to the students checking whether they are respecting the rules or not, and that makes me very happy and proud.

Very weird! Thankfully it's been quite a few years since I left, and I have seen some teachers throughout that time. Still, the adaptation process is long and strange!! I am still working on it, as I have to actively try to call them by their first name, whereas their last name just falls off the tongue. I'm getting there!