As a new term began, students flocked back to campus, just like our resident geese. However, those living on the other side of Laurel Creek were preparing not only for a new term of studies, but to put skill and perseverance to the test. That’s right, the Inter-College Cup has been revived for another year of lively competition and community-building across the Affiliated University Colleges and Institutions of the University of Waterloo.
The beginning of term event was held at St. Jerome’s University on January 10 as a get-to-know-you occasion. While points weren’t awarded this time, there was road hockey, indoor games, and even a Beaver Tails truck to celebrate the start of a new season for inter-college community.
Hosted by a different University College each month, the contest will consist of challenges and games in which participants can earn points for their respective campuses. These points are tallied at the end of the school year to result in one school – Grebel, Renison, St Jerome’s, or St. Paul’s – winning the Cup. Emily Litster from SJU is part of the team that coordinates these events. This year she is looking forward to the Relay for Life event that SJU will be hosting on April 3. “All students are able to register for a team and start fundraising for the Canadian Cancer Society!”
Mykayla Turner, Student Council President at Conrad Grebel University College, encourages students to take part in these events. “It’s exciting to see new faces and interact with other students you may have had a class with but didn’t get to know because they didn’t live with you. It’s good to build connections, whether that’s through competition or in playing together.”
She emphasized that these games are an important aspect of building community within the University Colleges as well as between them. “It’s nice for students to attend the event together. They may already study and eat meals with one another, but to do something extra together is important for building connections and strengthening friendships.”
Mykayla noted that the Cup provides an opportunity to forge new friendships and re-visit old acquaintances. She remembered that at a past event, a fellow student council member was able to reconnect with someone she had met years ago at camp who now went to Renison. On another occasion, a Grebel student heading back from class walked through an Inter-College event and was immediately recruited to join in the fight for victory. “It was lovely to see how even without meaning to, students were able to engage in the event and really have fun together.” Mykayla added that moments like these are what the Cup is all about.
By Elizabeth Robertson