2020 has been a year of firsts—and that is a massive understatement. On a personal note, this year was my first time experiencing a pandemic, navigating online university, and living off-campus too. And while it may seem insensitive to discuss online learning during a pandemic, the reality is that school profoundly impacts students’ well-being.
This year, we have been called upon to create social bonds in new ways. The growing pains are undeniable but necessary, and I can only imagine what they are like for first-year students. As a result, I have been reflecting on what “staying connected” looks like in practice. Here is what I have gleaned so far:
1. Search for online events, then meet clubs halfway
Although clubs are virtual, they have not disappeared. My experience as the Co-Director of Events in the Chinese Students’ Association (CSA) is that teams are working even harder to engage students. Many events like Western Voice, CSA’s flagship singing competition, have transitioned online. Clubs are also turning to novel video conferencing services and gaming platforms. You can find comprehensive details about upcoming events on Facebook.
The challenging part becomes meeting clubs halfway. It can be hard to find the time to attend an event, and even more difficult to muster up the courage to show up. Admittedly, it is frightening to join a Zoom call and not know what to expect on the other side, but in my opinion, that is a risk worth taking.
2. Networking and mentorship is more accessible
I have found that the greatest benefit of virtual meetings is that they are easier to schedule. Chances are that most people will have an hour to call or text on any given day. Upper-year students are a fantastic resource to access regarding courses, programs, careers, and general advice about Western and London. Western offers formal programs such as the Leadership & Academic Mentorship Program (LAMP), but informal mentors exist all around you: Sophs/Dons/RAs, club executives, a friend of a friend, or even a helpful commenter in UWO Must Knows.
Students who are older or who offer more expertise in an area are happy to pass on their accrued wisdom. Mentors enjoy giving back and providing advice—perhaps even more than mentees think. In that sense, mentorship can be a heartwarming mutually beneficial relationship.
Finally, the advice I have shared is not meant to be a rulebook. There is no one-size-fits-all to cultivating connection. My hope is that this article acts as a gentle reminder that you are not alone in feeling disconnected this year. The reality is that things are different. No matter how old you are, we are all figuring things out for the first time. In the meantime, I believe it is important to lean on each other and normalize that process.
If you would like to discuss studying Health Sciences, my experiences in extracurriculars, residence life in Elgin Hall, or anything in-between, you may reach me at amao22@uwo.ca. My email is open to everyone!