Taking a Chance with Leadership
“Grebel has given me a space where I can learn exactly who I am and where I want to end up in the world.” Now in her fifth year, Abby Krueger reflects on her time at Conrad Grebel University College and her involvement in student leadership. “I can’t imagine my university experience any other way.” Abby studies Sexuality, Relationships, and Family Studies at the University of Waterloo – an interdisciplinary program that evaluates human relationships with theories and practices from social sciences and humanities.
Originally from Leamington, Abby attended Leamington United Mennonite Church and heard about Grebel from other students in her community. Grebel fit perfectly with Abby’s plan to live in a place where she could make friends with similar values. “I wanted a supportive environment as I started a new adventure at university,” she said.
Abby's first taste of leadership was joining the Banquet Committee in her first year. “When I came to Grebel, I didn’t think I would be in any sort of leadership role,” she said. “I stumbled into student leadership and have never once regretted serving the community.”
Leadership development is an important aspect of the Student Services mission at Grebel, and students can choose from many leadership opportunities within the residence community. Extracurricular involvement contributes to academic success and develops skills in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and confidence. “Learning how to communicate well is a skill I know I will need in my future life and career,” Abby said.
“Everyone I’ve worked with is so passionate about making Grebel a fun place to live,” Abby said. As an O-Week Leader, she provided a warm welcome to new Grebelites. On the Residence Don team, she supported students and building operations after hours. “Donning taught me how to interact with people from all different walks of life,” she said.
Abby toured prospective students and worked on special projects as a Grebel Ambassador. On Student Council as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Representative, Abby listened and responded to student feedback, and advocated for an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture. She served on the Chapel Team, helping to plan Chapel services, and was the Backstage Assistant Manager for the Grebel Student Council musical production of The Clockmaker’s Daughter in March 2025. Abby also looked at polarization within dialogue for students on campus as the student representative on a Polarization Pilot Project with Dr. Reina Neufeldt last year.
“Grebel gives students so many opportunities to share their talents; there is a spot for everyone to get involved,” Abby said. With 11 elected positions, Student Council meets weekly to plan events and discuss student concerns. The Larger Leadership Team has 27 appointed positions, including editors for the student magazine GrebelSpeaks and Peace Representatives who promote peace and host peace-related events.
Dons and Ambassadors are paid positions for upper-year students, as are positions on the Grebel Orientation Committee, who plan the O-Week activities and lead a team of O-Week Leaders. Students can connect with the Chaplain to join the Chapel Team, and volunteer for Banquet Committee, where they choose a theme and plan the End-of-Term banquets.
Seizing opportunities for leadership at Grebel, while not what she planned from the start, shaped Abby’s university experience for the better. Through leadership at Grebel, Abby developed communication skills, found a strong network of support, and built relationships with her peers. While working toward common goals with others, Abby strengthened bonds with her teammates and her love for Grebel. “Grebel gave me a foundation that I could always turn to when things got challenging. I have found a great group of people to spend my time with and a home that I get to make my own.”
“I learned a lot about myself and how people interact with each other in a community,” Abby added. She’ll graduate next spring with invaluable leadership experience and treasured relationships. “At Grebel I had the opportunity to take chances, and it has shown me what is possible.”
Abby and members of the core team working on the Grebel Student Council Musical in March 2025
Abby and three of her fellow dons
Abby and her friends representing Grebel
