Erode. Adapt. Accrete. Erode. Adapt. Accrete. Take a few steps backward. Learn and adjust. Take a few steps forward.
As one might expect, we’ve been learning and exploring the nuanced disposition of the Outer Banks both inside and beyond the classroom. The word that routinely is employed to describe the ecosystem is dynamic. Always changing. Never stagnant. Though there are many causes of the coast’s fluidity, the ecological processes of erosion and accretion are large drivers of change to the shoreline.
Similarly, whether due to internal or external factors, our cohort and its characteristics are also constantly evolving. Despite having been here only 5 weeks, we’ve already experienced our fair share of erosion that has forced adaptation and ultimately led to accretion.
Erode:
A single big storm can devastate the shoreline in one fell swoop. Gradual washing away of the shoreline over time cannot be ignored, but the threat of one storm event is always present. Last week, we were hit by a cascade of positive COVID-19 cases. In any learning environment, this would have been a sizable problem to tackle, but we faced quite the challenge since our cohort not only takes the same courses but also lives together.
Socially distant porch gathering
Nevertheless, our group made the decision to (safely) fight the less-than-ideal circumstances. In the midst of the isolated storm, we minimized damage by organizing “socially distant” gatherings to keep the group energy alive albeit abnormally so.
Adapt:
Now that the isolation period is over, this past week allowed us to begin our re-entry process back to routine and reality. We were still in masks, and some are still recovering from the virus, but we’re moving in the right direction towards normalcy. To keep the metaphor going, we are also getting accustomed to being around each other again. Despite the numerous hours spent together, most of us have only known each other for just over a month. Prior to our spell with COVID-19, we’d established the group dynamics but were still figuring each other and our individual roles out. The isolation week provided a strange reprieve from that so this last week recommenced the process.
As one student put it “I feel physically better than I did when I had COVID-19, but I kind of got used to the isolation and being on my own. So, I’m having to gradually reengage and mentally prepare myself for the constant social interactions again.”
Accrete:
Contrary to the possibility of a lone erosion attack, the coast accretes slowly and persistently over time. (For the sake of accuracy, there are options such as beach renourishment that can build the shore up in a single action however, in this metaphor let’s pretend that it is not an option).
Ok so, how does a group accrete? Spend time and experiences together.
On Tuesday, our first day back at CSI in over 10 days, we all coordinated outfits of white shirts, jean bottoms, hats, and bare feet to see if Andy would notice (he didn’t). Thursday night we had a group wide dinner to hang out and catch up outside the walls of the house. On Friday, we had the opportunity to travel to the Great Dismal Swamp/Lake Drummond for a day-long kayaking expedition. Nothing quite bonds a group of people like a road trip and paddling around for 5 hours. This past weekend the cohort oscillated between the beach, camping, doing homework, and getting ready for the week. Activities that could be performed alone but are better together.
Erode. Adapt. Accrete. Erode. Adapt. Accrete. Take a few steps backward. Learn and adjust.Take a few steps forward.
Who knows what storm event is on the horizon for our cohort, but as time has progressed so too has our resiliency. One way or another we’ll get through it together.