Essential Workers We Are Thankful For
Article by Lizzie West
These are unprecedented times, friends. Staying away has somehow made us closer than ever as humans. The need to #StayHome has resulted in everyone being more dependent on others than imagined. For many, it’s given an updated perspective to life and a new appreciation for humanity. The “protect them at all costs” movement on social media is alive and thriving right now. Since we all witness that movement’s message while scrolling through our newsfeeds constantly, we are all aiming to be CEOs of gratitude! Although there are countless types of essential workers providing for us right now, we’d like to take a moment and recognize just a few of those who have showcased dedication to their work while helping us all function during this IRL social drought.
1. Local radio and news stations
It is nice to see what’s going on in the world, but sometimes you just want to see what’s happening in your own community. It’s comforting to know that you can turn on the radio or the local news and see (or hear) that they care about keeping us informed. It’s nice to have the radio to listen to some favorite tunes while also feeling more connected because you hear the voice of an actual person talking to you, and some stations are still playing games, interacting with the audience. Many have the option to call or text in. Here at Bryan Broadcasting, you can listen on just about any device with internet service by visiting Radioaggieland.com and picking one of many stations. Can’t forget a big shoutout to all those that make the radio and news stations work, whether you are talking, writing, or making sure the broadcast is running smoothly from behind-the-scenes. You’re definitely appreciated by all of Aggieland!
2. Educators and support staff
You have been given some pretty impossible tasks, people. You’re rising to every challenge, inspiring your students, and creating new methods to teach out of thin air. You are magically continuing to work with families, not just the students, to keep the focus on success while weathering this storm. We know you chose this profession not just because you like telling people what to do; you truly love our children, are inspired by their growth, and we know you miss them, too. When this is all over, many of us are happy to give them back (it’s funny because it’s true). So many of you went on a much-needed break from teaching, fully expecting to go back to work refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the academic year. Then THIS. You continue to be given challenge after challenge, and each and every time, you rise to the occasion. You’re creating a completely new manual for what school looks like and how we keep going, keep teaching, and keep inspiring. You are total rockstars, and we know it.
3. Retail/Grocery store employees
It’s been a stressful time for anyone that needs food, especially for the elderly or those with underlying health conditions. These workers are not only putting themselves at risk, but are also working hard to keep the shelves stocked right now. Let’s not even get started on how hard they’re working to get all our curbside and delivery orders processed as soon as possible. Shipments come and go and it’s never really guaranteed that they’ll get what is in demand at that moment, but they’re doing their best. We absolutely know that these workers want things to go “back to normal” as much as everyone else. But, in this time, they’re stepping up the best they know how to to make sure we have all the essentials we need to #stayhome. Thank you!
4. Postal workers, package delivery, and truck drivers
WOW! This one is HUGE. Without knowing exactly what risks they’re taking, these workers are going about their day. We don’t know about you, but our mail has been showing up as always, and we know it’s been difficult to keep up with an increase in online orders and deliveries. On top of that, we have to appreciate all the truck drivers that are putting in as many hours as they can to get our mail, food, and other essentials to their destinations safely. We know all of you are risking so much handling all these items, visiting truck stops all over, and sorting packages. Yet, you continue moving forward with a smile and a “have a nice day”. Color us impressed! The drive and professionalism here are just phenomenal. You are all so awesome!
5. Delivery drivers (this means you, too, Favor/Instacart/etc. employees)
Here’s the thing. We aren’t sure that we have accurately estimated the amount of work involved with this kind of job. This isn’t just a pick-up and drop-off gig. We know juggling the increase in orders right now has to be overwhelming. Then, we must consider that these essential workers are doing an additional job, as well. They start with customer service, personal shopping, and hauling it all to our front doors. They are investing in gloves and masks to keep us safe. We have to admit, it’s nice that if we are just too tired to make the 28th meal or snack this week, we can call someone to bring us just about anything our heart desires (especially for the picky eaters in our lives). Way to go, for going above and beyond, taking time away from your families and investing that time in serving others. You are amazing!
6. Restaurant workers
We know all the dining rooms are closed right now, but many restaurants are getting creative to continue providing us with delicious food and tasty beverages! No – you can’t go have bottomless chips and queso right now. We’re sorry, but that’s just how it is at the moment. So many of our favorite local spots are working hard to provide daily specials, deliveries, curbside pick-up options, as well as helping make delivery services run smoothly. They are quite literally saving our behinds on evenings when we are just too tired from juggling our own workload while also helping our kids navigate this challenging new way to learn. Your love for your craft is so obvious, especially now, restaurant owners, cooks, and servers who are preparing our to-go plates. We cannot forget our fast food friends. Getting a steak is great, but getting a massive pan of chicken tenders for the brood is a saintly thing to offer! We are so incredibly thankful for the convenience you offer us!
7. City Workers
We’re continually blown away by how amazingly the city workers are keeping a schedule right now. The sanitation workers alone have to be seeing a lot more thrown away right now. We haven’t noticed any delay in any of our pick-ups, from regular garbage to bulk (sometimes they come by twice). Recycling hasn’t been neglected either! Many city workers are also diligently working from home. The good folks working at the utility companies are still there to take payments and work with us, at great risk to their own health and well-being. We absolutely couldn’t function without our law enforcement and first responders either. They work long shifts and are charging head-on into circumstances – not fully knowing what they will encounter or if they will be exposed in the process. We deeply appreciate all the hard work it has taken to keep our infrastructure running, even with so many obstacles and new circumstances happening all around us.
8. Healthcare workers and support staff
Obviously, we have all seen how ALL of New York City stops what they’re doing to applaud their hard-working and, quite frankly, HEROIC healthcare workers at shift change each evening. Many other cities have adopted a similar act of kindness. We know they appreciate it, but we believe the biggest ‘thank you’ we can give them is just to #stayhome as much as we can. These amazing humans are going to work, many of them staying away from family for weeks at a time, just to provide the care that our world needs. It’s crazy how some workers are temporarily relocating to help other communities that are hit harder than their own – and wow, what they must be witnessing. We can’t even imagine what it has been like, but these soldiers are continuing to do their duty. They aren’t just treating COVID-19 patients. They’re treating trauma injuries, delivering babies, and hoping against hope that that cough is NOT a result of this pandemic. Many people who have lost loved ones are so grateful for the healthcare workers that held their person’s hand while they took their last breath. They are everyone’s sibling, child, and parent right now when we can’t be there. The support staff working to help keep the proverbial ship afloat are so dedicated. From the cafeteria workers, to the janitorial staff and maintenance personnel, we know what you have sacrificed to do your part in saving people. We, from the very bottom of our hearts, are immeasurably thankful that you felt the calling to this truly awe-inspiring path.
We know we’ve missed a few, but we know them when we see them and are thankful for the behind-the-scenes essential workers everywhere. There are many words written here, but in the decades to come, no words will be able to adequately express how the essential workers risking their health, families, and relationships has kept our world spinning in the right direction. Thank you and keep going. We’re rooting for you – and staying home, washing our hands, too!