Pandemic Reflections - Elvia Cortez Garcia

Meet Elvia Cortez Garcia. Elvia is part of our Admissions team. She joined the PACE team in 2019 and is an alumna of our Project Management Diploma, graduating in 2018. We asked her to reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her work-life.

“A few months ago, I was honoured to take a job offer from The University of Winnipeg, PACE. The first months were really busy trying to learn the job. The staff was so welcoming that I felt like I was back at home! I had the opportunity to travel to Mexico to promote our programs this winter and shortly after COVID 19 was upon us.

It happened so suddenly that it was very overwhelming to process what was happening.  There were so many things to think about, not just about work but also at home. We were all taking it one hour at the time, taking information from work, school, government, family – especially because my husband is a frontline worker. For me, it was one week of too many things to take care of that I did not think of myself at all.

One thing I knew, I had to plan how the family was going to function. So, I started to develop a schedule for everyone. For me, schedules are my go-to tool! With a routine to follow, we slowly fell into a new way of living.  I make sure my boys’ schedules have plenty of schoolwork, breaks, playtime, time outside, tv, video-games, exercise, and chores around the house. Keeping the boys busy helps me to focus on my job as sometimes it can be very demanding. Especially because being in the position just for a few months, it can be challenging to be without my trainer by my side!

Even though we have a routine to follow, sometimes unexpected things happen, and I have to accommodate the situation. I appreciate the people who were taking care of my boys so much more now. Their teachers do a great job day after day; something that until now I had not appreciated as much as I should have.  The daycare providers who fed and took care of my boys after school. Before the pandemic, I drove my boys to daycare, kissed them and wished them a good day and I did not see them until the end of the day. Now that I have them at home, even though it has been a lot of work, I feel we have grown an even stronger and tighter relationship.

One day at the time is my motto. Making sure I follow an exercise routine, eat well and take breaks often is the key to a productive day while taking care of a 6th and 3rd grader. 

I thank my work team for being so supportive through this challenging time. I thank our government leaders for doing a fantastic job, and a special thanks to all first line workers who leave behind their families to take care of us! All situations have a positive side even though it is not easy to always see it right away; but when you see it is easier to live with it.”