In March, a group of students volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service and MennoHomes to help restore a home in Kitchener that will be used as affordable housing. The enthusiasm and energy Grebelites brought was much appreciated.
With the Grebel residence at half capacity and in-person interactions restricted by varying amounts depending on provincial lockdown regulations, the winter 2021 term will not soon be forgotten. Students living in the Grebel residence and apartments, as well as at home, stretched their creativity to find meaningful ways of connecting, growing friendships, and building a sense of community.
A musical was scheduled for this year, and although the format changed drastically from original plans, a team of more than 40 students found inventive ways to successfully adapt the Big Fish musical to work in an online setting. “Everything was coordinated and done remotely,” Director Josh Rampersad said. “Rehearsals became recording sessions and we created a whole new team to edit all the recordings together.”
Screenshot of Big Fish, the virtual musical
CONNECTING TO OTHERS DURING A PANDEMIC
“I longed for community and interaction with other people my age, which I wasn’t able to get at home during the pandemic. Coming to Grebel for the winter term was one of the best decisions I could have made, as it allowed me to build friendships and enjoy community with other people.” —Megan Hudson
“Participating in many different activities virtually allowed me to meet many amazing people at Grebel while also allowing me to grow as a leader. I have learned how important it is to be a leader who is adaptable, find ways to make events safe for everyone, and how to make online events accessible.” —Cassidy Zelle
“I have been able to get involved virtually through online events with the PACS Live-Learn Community and at the Weekly Wave where the whole Grebel community gathers virtually in place of Community Supper. Grebel also showed me support by setting up a check-in meeting to see how I was doing and to just make sure I was doing well in the midst of the pandemic.” —Merveille Mwankin
“I’ve enjoyed attending the weekly Chapel services, as well as being a part of the Chapel Team and the Chapel Choir. There are so many unique ways to be involved in the community, even as a virtual student living in Ottawa. Even so, I can hardly wait to move into Grebel in the fall!” —Sarah Driediger
“The student leaders and staff use platforms such as Zoom for Weekly Waves and other events, as well as a Discord server to keep everyone updated. I love attending the virtual events. They keep reminding me of the spectacular community I am a part of. I get to know my family at Grebel and learn more about the College. I never feel alone.”
—Aradhna Karwal
“Grebel has been such a wonderful experience for me this year! Even with the pandemic and all the inconveniences that can cause, it has still fostered a wonderful community where I have met some of my closest friends and have made memories that I know will stick with me for the rest of my life! It just feels like home now, and there is no where I would rather be!” —Reu Zuidema
“Things are gonna get better!” After more than a year in the pandemic, Grebel students showed their creativity with a hopeful anthem, Sparrows and Lilies, recorded in their separate living spaces.
