Most of our lives have shifted dramatically in the past few months as we grapple with social isolation, educational upheaval, job changes, and health care emergencies surrounding COVID-19. Over the course of two weeks, the situation moved rapidly at Grebel as the University of Waterloo cancelled in-person classes and exams and switched to online platforms for the remainder of the winter term and into the spring term.
The residence is empty now and will remain so throughout the spring term, but the College’s apartments will house about 23 upper-year students in the spring. “We are glad, in these difficult times, to provide some housing for our students,” explained Director of Student Services Mary Brubaker-Zehr. “The spacious four-bedroom apartment units have two washrooms each and independent kitchens, so we feel that students can keep their social distance.”
While most Grebel residents moved home, they continued to engage in the community of support they had built up over the past year. Many student committees and leadership teams continued to meet virtually to plan activities for the College community.
Before the end of term, Nathaniel Kim, a third-year biochemistry student, said that the disruption to regular routine “hasn’t stopped the Chapel Committee from meeting online to plan our most geographically ambitious service yet!” He shared that after an imperfect yet powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace” was sung when the Committee first met digitally, they knew they needed to expand the feeling of unity to the rest of the dispersed Grebelites. “Adapting Chapel to an online medium gives us the thrill of a new challenge, but more importantly, I think it’s a shining example of how Grebel’s community always pulls through—together!”
While practicing social distancing, these last remaining Apartment Dwellers were creatively staying active by climbing the Chapel walls. Don’t worry—this group of four was part of a single apartment unit isolating together!
Last year, Grebel students created an app that is used internally to connect to each other, share news and announcements, and arrange activities. Grebel’s strong community is still evident as students offer a listening ear through this app, helping each other out, and dreaming up various ways to be with each other digitally—through Jackbox games, Zoom meetings, virtual Minecraft worlds, Bible study, and Instagram.
The abrupt transition off-campus is especially difficult for the fourth-year cohort who had been looking forward to enjoying the last days of their Grebel experience together. Charlotte Baker, an Associate in her final term, found the sudden end to her Grebel experience to be a difficult adjustment. The desire to remain in community led her to create “The Great Grebel Challenge” Instagram page so residents and associates can still have fun together while being physically separated. She posts a new challenge every few days, and then shares videos and pictures of fellow Grebelites completing the task. “As soon as I post a challenge, I immediately start getting submissions. I think that really shows people’s excitement to stay connected and their dedication to the Grebel community.”
The Orientation Committee is connecting online to ensure the coming generation of Grebelites is welcomed well. Leah Schilstra, a member of the committee responsible for organizing the fall 2020 orientation week, noted that “we are still planning all the same fun events, snacks, and skits that you see every year!” She said that there has been encouragement in meeting virtually, despite the discouragement of not being able to take part in their always-lively in-person meetings. “The willingness and intentionality I have seen through online meetings reveals the commitment people have to seeing the Grebel community thrive and succeed, as well as the commitment the Grebel community has to one another.”
Grebel students, staff, and faculty alike have mourned the lack of closure to the term and for some, the end of their university education. Tentative plans are underway to host Grebel’s celebratory Convocation inperson, in Waterloo on Sunday, October 25, the same weekend as the UWaterloo’s Fall Convocation.
Virtual Celebrations Bring Closure
Thanks to the creativity of students and staff, all of these end-ofterm celebrations took place virtually on Zoom in mid-April and will never be forgotten!
Assisting Students in Wake of Pandemic
Along with many others in Canada and the world, Grebel students are facing an uncertain future as the COVID-19 pandemic uproots plans and disrupts studies.
