A Unique Path to Leadership in a Multi-Year Residence

Lying on the chapel floor surrounded by electric candles, listening to a chanted service of Compline (night prayer) with other Conrad Grebel University College students, Amani Ciccarelli reflected on how this moment was the result of their planning and hard work as a member of the Chapel Committee. 

"As a member of the Chapel Committee, I collaborate with the other members to brainstorm and divide up tasks. There is a lot of flexibility in that role, and you get what you put into the position,” Amani explained. They decided to join the Chapel Committee in first year at the recommendation of then-Chaplain Jessica Reesor Rempel. With lots of ideas for Chapel services, Amani was especially focused on how Chapel could be more approachable for people from other faiths, as well as bringing in some of their own Anglican traditions. 

Amani is a Grebel resident and third-year student in the Environment, Resources, & Sustainability program at the University of Waterloo, minoring in Society, Technology, and Values. Through living in a multi-year residence like Grebel, Amani has also developed leadership skills through mentorship. “In your first year, you have a lot of support and mentors, but in an informal way so it is less intimidating,” Amani explained. “As an upper-year student, you can fall naturally into a mentoring role for first-year students. Through this, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy being a mentor.” 

Amani’s path to leadership began with the Chapel Committee and mentorship, which were opportunities that came out of living in Grebel. "Living in a multi-year residence is a rare opportunity and has been one of the best parts of living at Grebel for me,” said Amani. “The University of Waterloo offers a lot of support — academic and personal — but living at Grebel has given me a comprehensive support system as well as friendships with a diverse crowd of people. As such, I recommend that new students live in a multi-year residence, whether they choose Grebel or another residence.” 

By Tasbiha Ansari

Amani Ciccarelli is a third-year student who has been a member of the Chapel Committee since first year