Social Development Studies students are driven to help others and promote positive change within their communities. During a time of increased uncertainty, isolation and concern for loved ones, many students are tackling these new challenges with strength and resilience.
We'd like to highlight two outstanding SDS alumni, in their efforts to both inform and serve their communities during this pandemic.
Rachel Fowler completed Renison's BSW program last October, after graduating in 2018 from the 3-year SDS degree focusing in social work and individual wellbeing. Currently providing direct support to one of the highest-risk populations for COVID-19, she recently shared to Renison more on her passion to help the most vulnerable through her role within a long-term care home.
Amanda Buchnea completed her Honours SDS degree in 2015 with a focus on social work and social policy, before finishing a Master's degree in Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She's since been involved with a number of community and non-profit organizations that directly support the Toronto-area homeless population. Amanda recently published the results of her survey of youth sector workers, which highlights the impact COVID-19 has had on local youth at-risk of homelessness.
The department would also like to applaud the efforts of all current students working through the stressors of COVID-19 toward their academic and experiential goals. Students are encouraged to reach out to campus supports if needed, and to stay on-top of evolving COVID-19 changes through https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/
If you are an SDS graduate and would like to share your story and successes, please email sds@uwaterloo.ca - we'd love to hear from you!