COVID-19 hit the world by surprise last year, and since then, numerous Grebel employees have remained on campus to keep the residence running smoothly. Working on-site throughout the pandemic has been stressful, but thanks to Grebel staff, the College has remained a safe and functioning environment for students living away from home.
With all the COVID restrictions in place, on-site workers have adapted their work habits to ensure the safety of those within the building. “COVID has affected every aspect of our work day,” the Food Services team reported. “Staggered starting times, sign-in protocols, daily temperature checks, sanitizing common touch points in the kitchen multiple times a day, setting trays for students, eating behind plastic dividers, and so much more.”
Leanne MacKay Bain greets and screens each person who comes through Grebel’s doors.
We are hyper-vigilant with everyone entering the building,” Receptionist Leanne MacKay Bain said. “We monitor temperature, have all visitors sign in with UWaterloo and with Grebel, and most importantly we make sure their mask is on correctly and that they are appropriately distanced from those who are in their vicinity. For those of us who are working at the reception desk, it’s our challenge to be the gatekeeper at Grebel and still maintain a welcoming atmosphere.”
Over the past year, many challenging scenarios have arisen, but staff always try to find ways to make the best out of these situations.
Food Services Manager Cheri Otterbein recalled a situation from last November where the entire kitchen team except for her had to stay home and self-isolate for 14 days. “This could have been a disaster,” she stated, “but many people pitched in to help out. It was an exhausting, yet exhilarating time.”
Ed Janzen, the Grebel Chaplain, added that “the lunch tables always include interesting conversations, some laughter and smiles, and a reminder of the hard work everyone is doing to be part of a caring and healthy community during these times.”
On-site workers support students and look after the College, all while fighting through stress and isolation. “It’s a lonely job now,” said Library Associate Mandy Macfie. “I see very few people every day, I don’t know the students anymore, and I haven’t heard from some colleagues at Grebel in a year.”
“I am an extrovert and I get energy from being with the faculty, staff, and students,” Operations Manager Paul Penner said. “Avoiding being with people is the safest way to be, but it gets quite lonely at times. Most days, my lunches are a peanut butter and jam sandwich eaten alone in my office.”
Some good has come out of the difficult times. After shifting Chapel services to Wednesday evenings on Zoom, Ed realized that this “brought together so many more people from various places with a good sharing of spirit and gifts.”
Student Services staff helped Food Services staff to serve dinner safely at the residents-only End-of-Term Banquet.
Cheri found an unexpected COVID blessing in “the connections that the kitchen staff and residents are able to make while serving or receiving food. Because we now serve most items to the students, there are lots of opportunities to say hello and check in with people to hear about their day, and offer encouraging or sympathetic words as needed.” The Food Services team added, “Students spend so much time in their rooms, isolated from each other, it is great to be able to have face-to-face conversation and extend some Grebel hospitality.”
It has been far from easy working on campus this year, and the challenges Grebel employees have faced to keep the College running smoothly are recognized. Grebel’s Food Services, receptionist, custodians, Student Services, library staff, and operations staff have held their heads high, found light in the darkness, made the best of challenging situations, and created a safe environment for all.
“The College simply would not have made it through this year without our team of essential on-site workers who kept our oncampus services running at all times,” said Grebel President Marcus Shantz. “I’m deeply grateful to them for their work this year.”
