The COVID-19 pandemic that swelled into an economic maelstrom during the year 2020 also focused a direct hit on higher education. As faculty and students were heading into spring break, the seismic impact of impending changes were realized. Within the digital age, the technology has raised an ever-increasing recognition of differentiated styles of teaching and learning, yet so many faculty held tightly to the traditional face-to-face instructional environments. Yet faculty persistence won the day, reflecting the ability of higher education faculty to succeed through the swerving road of the unknown, the tightrope that they walked dangling daringly over the online chasm of understanding. This chapter focuses on the initial foray into the principles of instruction, followed by an understanding of the differentiation between optics and outcomes, developing strategic priorities, an understanding of nuanced teaching and learning, and the gratitude and understanding conceived through critically reflective pedagogy and journaling.