Empty School |Documentary Photo Essay
The halls are empty and silent…
It felt like walking into purgatory, eerie and unnatural. Silence in place of conversation and laughter. COVID-19, a time in history that the children of today’s children will be learning one day in these classrooms. This documentary photo essay is a story of sadness and loss but also the power of positive thinking and the human will to succeed in trying times.
Plans are irreversibly altered. Graduation, with all of its proud moments and planning, not happening for the foreseeable future. The school play, over before it started. The brand new cosmetology program, on standby.
The normally bustling building is in limbo, a holding state, waiting for the bright and bubbly, effervescent life that is youth. The silence was overwhelming, against the norm for a school. Everywhere there are signs of just how serious this pandemic is.
The image above is a sad reminder of the loss faced by the graduating class of 2020. For them, the celebrations, the dresses, shoes and suits, memories made with friends and family are postponed.
The human spirit is strong, resilient.
Perhaps the greatest lesson the Class of 2020 and all of our children will learn from this is patience.
It’s extremely difficult to play a waiting game with no clear answers in sight, and this pandemic has been compared to war time over and over in the news.
The children of today will learn to weather any storm and fork in their path, knowing that there will be supports in place to help them in time of need. They will learn that humanity, for the most part is giving and loving and willing to lend a hand.
They will learn to cope with overwhelming disappointment, that which is bringing adults twice their age to their knees. These kids will also learn that they have the capacity to lead others and to help where they can, whether it’s organizing an online dance party or picking up groceries for someone in self isolation.
They will learn that they are loved. The teachers and staff are all at the school, ensuring that it’s safe; creating content for them to learn from while they’re home; and missing them.
Life is on pause right now. Postponed, not cancelled, not over. Together, the staff at Tofield School is working hard for their community and their students to build a solid foundation to return to.
For a little lift, check out this link made by the Staff of Tofield School.
When you’re feeling sad and scared, remember to find gratitude in the little moments. This post is a good reminder of fighting light in the dark.
If you’re graduating this year, we all feel your hurt, sorrow and disappointment. Remember that your accomplishments still exist. They’ll be celebrated and honoured. You’re going down in the record books as the most unique graduating class in history.
If you’re reading this, reach out, virtually hug a teacher, a student who is struggling, or a parent who is trying to home school and work from home. A text, a video call or a card in the mail can do wonders to ease a hurting heart.
Be present, be in the moment, be in the picture.
Love,
Carla
Located just outside of Edmonton, Alberta and serving Camrose, Tofield, Sherwood Park, Red Deer, the Rockies and beyond, Carla Lehman Photography is a nationally accredited professional photographer providing full-service luxury photography for portraits, personal brands and entrepreneurs, equine and pet lovers.
Carla Lehman Photographer is a premiere provider of graduation and senior portraits and a top personal branding visual photographer in Alberta.
Carla these are absolutely stunning and sad pictures at the same time. Even with us not being at Tofield school for the past 5 years it is always the first place we go when we come back to visit. Those hallways and classrooms hold special memories for so many students, parents and faculty alike. Thank you for your perspective. It may seem like such a small thing in all the chaos right now but these pictures should bring hope and remind us all of the wonderful times we have shared in that school. Stay strong Tofield…“this too shall pass” xo