Jamila Piracci, Principal at Roos Innovations
What’s one significant way coronavirus has affected your work?
While I have worked from home for some time, the major change has been to have our two children also using the home as a school house, with all that entails - hours of video-based classes, virtual music lessons, expanded tech needs, and science experiments in every area of the house (one including baking soda, vinegar and a match and another involving the construction of a musical instrument).
What’s a typical day like for you right now as we “shelter in place”?
First, we make sure the kids are ready for breakfast and school. Then, I embark on my own work, which includes an intriguing mixture of compliance and policy matters. I try to have a midday break to eat lunch, take a walk and check in with the kids and dogs before resuming my work day. After work and school, I check in on the kids' music lessons. In the evening, we prepare and eat dinner together, and then we try to work on our music, followed by family reading or tv time. Lest you think this sounds idyllic, sprinkle in the requisite shouting between floors and being shushed by the kids for their video classes.
What’s something that has given you hope for the future after this pandemic?
Our kids have had to adjust in ways that may be more meaningful than the ways we as adults have had to adjust. History as well as our kids in this moment show me that as humans we can evolve rather quickly and that we can cope with, manage and perhaps even master a great deal that may come our way at any given time.
