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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

Cathy P. lessened anxiety that had been growing over several decades.
Daugherty is Past
International President There is nothing like a worldwide pandemic to lead to the utilization of new
(2018–2020) and resources! After all, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” And invent we did
served as a DKG as a Society! Within a 6-week period in mid-2020 we moved from a face-to-face
International Educators convention to a virtual experience. We reached out, stayed connected, and carried
Foundation Director on within the limits of our governing documents and geographical reach. The
from 2018–2022. She Society’s international events took on a new look, a different focus, and a more
has been member of
Alpha Alpha Chapter modern voice. The pandemic unwittingly spurred needed changes that leaders and
in Virginia State members had been grappling with for years.
Organization since Now we must continue to be creative as we add in-person events back into
1989 and was the the mix, using the knowledge about staging virtual meetings to create better
2016 recipient of the hybrid meetings and events. The flexibility in choice of how to attend a meeting
DKG International diminishes anxiety while it affords members the ability to maintain connections
Achievement Award,
the Society’s highest and contribute on different levels and in different ways. It also forces DKG
honor. Daugherty leaders at all levels to focus on members’ needs and to deliver relevant value in
currently chairs programming, projects, and activities.
the Virginia State COVID-19 taught us to care for ourselves and each other. While quarantined in
Organization Rules Austin for most of 2020 during my term as international president, I worked alone
Committee and is at Headquarters for the most part while the headquarters staff worked remotely
Membership Chair/
Second Vice President with me to retool the last months of the 2018–2020 international biennium. But
for her chapter. constant quiet in the evenings proved to be a challenge. l learned that “down time”
emerita07@comcast. for myself was positive. My productivity increased. I slept better. The occasionally
net overwhelming disappointment of an altered convention format lessened. Once
the biennium ended, I continued “down time” at home by shutting the phone and
computer off at 5 p.m. sharp! I also found a new purpose by volunteering as a
“lunch buddy” at a local elementary school. The joy of helping a kindergarten
teacher by reading books to one of her challenging students became a rewarding
use of my time. Consciously caring, whether for self or others, was a huge result of
my COVID-19 experience. Caring for others and self remains a great way to shrink
one’s anxiety.
The pandemic tested us, but it has not bested us. Our mission and vision
continue to guide us and to give purpose to our organization as we adapt our
environment and programs to this new reality. We may have lost some members
along the way, but many, if invited to be reinstated, will return once their own
anxiety subsides. People need people—a truth we have relearned these last few
years.
Meanwhile, consider where we are today. As individuals and as a Society we
remain at a critical crossroads. State organizations and chapters are reassessing
their needs and the relevancy of their work and are embracing the realization that
members need each other now more than ever. The cure for anxiety resides in more
than a mask or a vaccination. It is how we choose to move forward. The old models
do not address the new world in which we live. Embracing the “silver linings”
from our 2-year period of reflection means living a life that is different. It means
acknowledging the new “normal” for our Society as well. We are poised to create,
thrive, and succeed. DKG is ready to forge ahead and to put personal anxiety aside
in favor of a more meaningful and relevant Society in a post-COVID-19 world.

26 · Volume 89-2