Union county educator creates Dr. Seuss parody to comfort worried students

Students across the country are adjusting to the aftereffects of school closures due to the coronavirus outbreak, including the cancellations of school related activities.

While some students are focused on adapting to virtual learning, others, like high school seniors, are worried that they will miss out on milestones like prom and graduation -- depending on how long schools remain closed.

Jeslyn McFadden, school counselor at Union County Early College, found a creative way to comfort students struggling to cope with the ambiguity by writing a book.

“I wanted to share the message, ‘We will get through this together’ in a different way,” said McFadden. “The thoughts and words just came and I probably only spent four to five hours writing the book.”

McFadden’s book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Eventually Go, But Not Today” is a parody of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, the Places You'll Go!”

“Finding humor and laughter is so important for all of us during this uncertain time,” said McFadden. “I also had fun with a lot of the phrases, such as ‘6-foot radius space’ and ‘Talk to friends on Zoom!’ These phrases would not have meant anything two weeks ago, but now, we can all connect to this wording.”

In the book, McFadden writes about the places that students can look forward to visiting and things they can do after the “stay at home” order is lifted.

“This story is a way to communicate with all students, but especially the Class of 2020, that even though I cannot promise them every event will happen, I do know that we will get through this,” said McFadden.

Like many educators during this time, McFadden wants her students to know that even though they are isolated from their peers and school administrators, their school spirit remains intact.

“My hope for my students during this time is that they can each find a silver lining in this uncertain time,” McFadden said. “Counselors, teachers and administrators are all here to support our students.”

If you have an inspiring story to share, email Sinead Taylor, WSOC-TV community affairs specialist, at Sinead.Taylor@wsoc-tv.com.

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