Entering University Grounded in Support and Community

For Kalkidan Ararso, a second year Arts and Business student at the University of Waterloo, the transition to university life was grounded in support and community. “My friend suggested that I check out the Conrad Grebel University College residence because of the Mennonite community,” explained Kalkidan, who attends Meheret Evangelical Church in Kitchener. “Once I got a glimpse of the people and support system there, I formed an instant connection.”

Soon after moving in, Kalkidan became friends with her roommate and embraced Grebel’s informal “Fill the Table” tradition, which urges students to fill a table before starting a new one at mealtimes, as a way of fostering a welcoming community. Given her Mennonite background, Kalkidan was surrounded by others of similar values and beliefs, which served as a starting point for conversation. “Connecting with others was easy at Grebel because I felt like I could relate to everybody on some level, even with those who weren’t Mennonite,” she explained. “Since I was on the same page as my peers, I was able to have certain conversations without feeling uncomfortable.”

“I particularly enjoyed PACS 101 Peace is Everybody’s Business with Eric Lepp and RS 335 The Violence of the Bible with Derek Suderman,” Kalkidan said regarding her favorite courses at Grebel. “My friend recommended that I take RS 335, and I found it to be incredibly insightful. As a Christian, sometimes I struggle with aspects of the Bible, namely when comparing the Old Testament to the New Testament. I also took this course amid the Israel and Palestine conflict. RS 335 acted as a safe space where I developed my own spiritual understanding of the world by having honest, vulnerable discussion with my classmates.”

Kalkidan is an active contributor to the Grebel community and is living at Grebel again this winter. She participates in Tuesday Bible Studies, helps wash dishes in the kitchen, and led a Community Supper during her first year. Even when she moved out of residence for a term for the fall, Kalkidan still called Grebel home. “I still had classes at Grebel, and I became a Grebel associate and participated in Community Suppers. I had no trouble maintaining a connection with the Grebel community after I moved out.”

To those nervous about living or taking classes at Grebel, Kalkidan offered assurance. “First year is always stressful, but the Grebel community is a warm one. Being able to talk with the upper years made me feel incredibly welcomed and since then, I’ve continued to surround myself with good people."

by Jiho Mercer

Originally published in Canadian Mennonite, March 2024