Reflections on Quarantine: J.J. Watt Joins Faculty Zoom Meeting

It was a normal Monday morning in a new-normal quarantine. Stress hung in the air as, around Houston, people did their best to adjust, wondering if they were living in a dream. St. Agnes Academy (SAA) students across Houston opened laptops, preparing to watch video lessons as SAA faculty got ready to join a Zoom call to discuss how distance-learning was going. However, little did the faculty members know that they would soon be met with a huge surprise: Houston Texans player J.J. Watt dropped in on the call, spreading positivity and giving SAA faculty an inspiring message to keep going despite these new challenges. 

Kaitlin Kelly, who teaches PE/Health and is the head coach of swimming and water polo at SAA, was overwhelmed with shock and excitement. She said she “literally couldn’t put a sentence together." "I lost the ability to do anything but open-mouth smile. I haven’t stopped smiling about it since,” she added.

Coach Kelly is thankful that J.J. Watt decided to join the Zoom call. She noticed that his presence boosted the morale of the faculty, showing everyone that you’re never too big or too important to do something for other people. “Small gestures can go a very long way, and you never know the impact you’re having on someone just by acknowledging them," she said. "Also, don’t ever leave the Texans!!”

Reflecting on quarantine, Coach Kelly reminds her students to establish routines and to enjoy nature and take time to relax. “Also, don’t order anything on Amazon when you wake up in the middle of the night. You always think, 'I can put a bike together' at 3 a.m. … Turns out, you can't," she says. Coach Kelly explained that she's had an an unassembled bike sitting in her living room for four weeks. "Hit me up if you’re a bike assembly CEO!”

Mrs. Sieck’s Dog, named JJ after J.J. Watt, poses for a picture.

Debbie Sieck, a proud SAA alumna (’87) and SAA Wellness Counselor of 20 years, reflects on quarantine, saying that in some ways, it has been challenging as she misses meeting students face-to-face. But she enjoys connecting with her friends on Zoom. She recommends staying in touch with friends during this unprecedented time. When she saw J.J. Watt at the faculty meeting, she felt “breathless and in disbelief." She added, "Once I realized it was actually JJ. Watt, I just got really excited. He was so nice and seemed genuinely happy to be there with us. I am a true J.J. Watt fan. I mean, I named my dog JJ!”

After asking him to send a message to seniors at SAA, and watching him happily do it, Mrs. Sieck realized how well he represents Houston with his commitment to hard work, kindness, and generosity. “J.J., if you’re reading this article, please know you are welcome on our Zoom calls anytime!!! #99 is #1!” 

Cydryce McMillian, Head Volleyball Coach as well as PE and Zumba instructor, says keeping up with her four kids' schedules during quarantine has been hectic. However, she and her family are staying resilient and have adjusted pretty well. Coach Mac misses her students and being crazy with them. She said that her heart aches for all of the students who are missing their friends and connections to normal life. She encourages everyone to rise to the occasion.

“This is a temporary state, and in our deepest moments of resiliency we have a choice to stay put or to rise. It’s certainly not easy, but it is doable. COVID-19 has inevitably pushed us out of our comfort zones, but we have to begin growing comfortable being uncomfortable!” She reminds SAA students that “if we are stretching then we are growing, and that is the epitome of an Academy Woman.” As J.J. Watt popped up out of nowhere, Coach Mac was shocked but appreciated him because he has a large platform and uses it to make the world a better place. “If I could say one thing to J.J. Watt, I would tell him, 'keep being you!'”

Thank you, J.J. Watt for coming to the SAA Faculty Meeting! You have inspired all of us, both faculty and students, to spread kindness and keep going in these uncertain times!