From online classes to online workouts, OVS teachers and faculty are doing all they can to keep students sharp mentally and physically throughout COVID-19.
OVS nursing assistant and soccer coach Paloma Sandoval has been leading online workout classes.
In tough times, exercise helps Ms. Sandoval stay grounded, and with the added stress and new circumstances due to the virus, she hopes that it will do the same for students.
“Working out has helped me stay on routine and feel some sort of normality. Some days are mentally challenging but after working out I always feel better,” said Ms. Sandoval. “I asked myself ‘what are other ways we [the Health Center] can get involved and reach out to kids in a way that is beneficial to them?’ I decided [to] start making my own workouts and invite students.”
All students are welcome to join her hour long workout classes over Google Meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At the beginning of the calls, Ms. Sandoval checks in with the students and they choose what part of the body they want to target.
On the first day, eight girls attended the workout and were thrilled.
“I really love the workouts with Paloma,” said sophomore CatieJo Larkin. “It keeps me active and it is wonderful that she is taking time out of her day to meet with us.”
Everyone who has done her videos has had a great experience and gotten an amazing workout. Some of the girls have even been inspired to pursue exercise and workout on days where there are no videos.
“I hadn’t really found my groove with at home workouts ever in my life, and I was personally dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, but Paloma changed that,” said senior Olivia Brown. “Working out with Paloma gave me the initiative to start being more productive. I now do some of my own personal workouts as well, but her workouts are by far my favorite.”
The Tuesday and Thursday workout classes at 1:00 PM not only provide a fun and encouraging environment to be active, but they also provide a sense of community and support.
“I adore the workouts because it’s like we’re at school again,” said Olivia. “It really makes me feel like I’m with my team and I get to experience so many of the things I’m missing right now.”
Ms. Sandoval is thrilled that students are liking the workout videos. As a former OVS student, she values and knows how much of an impact faculty members can have.
“I’m an alumni and I still remember the staff, dorm parents, and teachers that really reached out and showed that they cared and wanted me to succeed,” explained Ms. Sandoval. “They put an imprint in my life and I’m so thankful for my experience at OVS. I want the girls to have the same thing and know that even though we’re not connecting face to face that I’m always here for them.”