The Story Behind My Relocation
My parents recently moved to a new house in a different town. Despite my initial reluctance, as a 5-year-old, I decided to accompany them. This move marked my first significant transition, but it was not the only one in my life. My formative years were filled with various relocations due to unforeseen circumstances that altered the course of my life.

From London to Essex, and Beyond

My journey began in the East End of London, where I grew up in a house that was tragically destroyed by a bomb during the war three years before my birth. Our family had to take refuge under a corrugated steel roof until new homes were constructed in Essex in 1949.

I lived in Essex until I got married in the early 1980s. My house, nestled somewhere beneath a block of flats, was a familiar sight to our loyal pub, the Virgin Queen, which had once been known as the Devonshire. Family gatherings and community events often centered around this establishment.

The Daily Commute for Vaccine

Life in the 21st century has its own set of challenges. Even something as routine as getting a vaccine can test my resolve. On a recent day, I needed to drive across town to get my COVID-19 vaccine. While it might appear mundane to some, it was a significant step towards protecting myself and my community from the ongoing threat of the pandemic.

Work and Vaccine Conundrum

As a teacher at a private school, my work life has been largely unchanged. Our institution has maintained in-person classes full-time since August, a stark contrast to the public schools in the city, which have remained fully remote since March. Despite the planned reopening of public schools, the teachers' union voted to defy the plan, refusing to return to classrooms.

Phased Vaccination and the Call to Action

On the other hand, our private school and many suburban counterparts have been fully or partially in-person since the start of the school year. This is why, when we received an email at the end of last week about the state's upcoming phase 1b of the vaccine rollout, we saw it as a positive development. Phase 1b includes individuals over the age of 65 and those at high risk due to their profession, including teachers.

Almost all of us opted to sign up for the vaccine. Since the public schools had not yet reopened, we were required to drive to a different school in the evening to get our shots - a couple of hours after dinner, no less. This officially made for three separate trips today, simply to walk my dog. My feelings certainly were not unique in this regard.

The Vaccine Experience and Its Aftermath

Overall, the experience was quick, easy, and painless. Some of my healthcare worker friends suggested that I might expect a headache and fatigue the following day, but such were their optimistic predictions. In truth, I have often felt fatigued and experienced headaches, not just after the vaccine but on a regular basis. It seems that the combination of work, life, and the ongoing pandemic has taken its toll.

The Takeaway: Moving from one place to another, navigating unprecedented challenges like the pandemic, and supporting my profession has been a different kind of journey. However, with each step, I am one step closer to a semblance of normalcy and, hopefully, a brighter future for all.

Note: This article reflects an individual's personal experience and opinions and does not necessarily represent the views or policies of any organization.