Students and teachers struggle to dress professionally while working from home
By Grace Mueller ‘23
The two extremes in the Zoom world. Drawing by Grace Mueller.
As school has moved completely online, students and teachers have had to rethink the way they present themselves.
Before quarantine, the Upper School had relaxed clothing guidelines. Aline Garcia-Rubio, Head of the Upper School, shared some of her thoughts about clothing requirements.
“Catlin Gabel students should be appropriately dressed for the task at hand,” said Garcia-Rubio. She added that teachers are instructed to dress following the same requirements.
When Catlin Gabel School (CGS) switched online, dress code expectations did not change. Members of CGS were instructed to dress appropriately and asked to “be in an environment conducive to learning.”
However, sophomore Ollie Tannahill believes professionalism no longer solely relies on his clothing choices.
“What I worry more about… isn’t actually what I’m wearing, but what’s in the background of my Zoom,” said Tannahill. Tannahill later went on to mention that he is aware of his surroundings because he thinks his background is a direct “window into [his] soul.”
Mickey Del Castillo, Upper School Social Studies teacher, shared that wearing his normal teaching attire while working through Zoom helps him remain in his proper teaching mindset. He described his teaching attire as “a dress shirt and tie.”
Some teachers have struggled to feel professional while working in a virtual setting. Virginia King, Upper School English teacher, shared that she is working from her children’s old nursery, leaving her struggling to feel professional while at home.
“I need to work on my space… I would feel more comfortable and professional if I did,” King remarked.
King mentioned that prior to the unhealthy air quality due to the wildfires in September, she worked from her office at CGS and it felt “really good” and provided a sense of normalcy.
Whether you consider your Zoom background, attire, or overall professional appearance, you are not alone in worrying about how you present yourself through a two-dimensional screen.