How I Prospered During the Pandemic

As we count down to the much-anticipated dawn of 2021, thoughts of the challenges of 2020 are on everyone’s lips. Whether it’s the tragic reality of COVID-19, and the underlying social and economic fallout, or even the political unrest, it’s clear for many globally 2020 has been a year that none of us will ever forget.

Ever the optimist, with ALL that has occurred, I would be remiss if I did not share a few nuggets of knowledge that supported my ability to prosper even in this year of COVID-19.

When schools, offices, and retailers closed in mid-March in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19, my family began making treks along the local hiking trials to alleviate cabin fever. What started out with me quizzing them on local flora and fauna or singing top 40 songs, soon morphed into random truth or dares, and eventually my children taught me to ride a bike.

Growing up in the Bahamas when swimming and mastering the dance moves of the 80s were popular, I had long since given up the notion of riding a bike and now thanks to COVID-19, I can add biking riding to my ever-growing list of life skills!

Growing up in a quaint fruit tree-lined neighborhood just east of downtown Nassau, the Bahamas where everyone’s mother, aunt, and grandmother were blessed with old-world charm and gentile manners eating scones were an everyday occurrence.

And then as if by magic, a dear neighbor shared a sample of her freshly baked blueberry and lemon scone along with the recipe, giving me the opportunity to introduce my family to a treat of a bygone era with a twist!

In between checking my Fitbit, the air pressure of our tires, ensuring we have enough ingredients for my next baking adventure, and of course, maintaining our safety per CDC standards, I have also made tremendous progress in crafting the Statement of Purpose, Contributions of Study, and Literature Review in support of my Ph.D. thesis.

My studies towards a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership began in late 2019 and while there are many more pages to read, write and rewrite, COVID-19, has served to fine-tune my examination of the contributing factors that impact the capacity of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to launch a viable alternative to tourism.

I have always had my eyes and ears on the pulse of what is happening in and impacting my native Bahamas and my study is for me a labor of love for those who spoke life to my dreams. Beyond researching and preparing to defend I am excited about participating in what I believe is the industrial revolution within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for generations to come.

While I know many people have not fared well during 2020 and even many more face the coming days and weeks with the angst of the unknown, I am hopeful that this new year gives us all a fresh slate to explore our wildest dreams and then get prepared to impact the world!

I encourage you to keep me posted on your dreams and plans and I promise to keep you up to date on mine. Stay safe and all the best to you and yours.