As classes start remotely this week, the U of T Engineering community has a message to new and returning students, and to one another: we got this.
The Faculty has launched the Back to Skule™ video capsule, inviting faculty, staff, students and alumni to record messages of encouragement, support and advice. The project serves as a reminder to its community that they are not alone in navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the school year ahead.
“As Dean, my goals this year is to find the resources and opportunities to make sure that you are successful while you’re here,” says Chris Yip, Dean of U of T Engineering, in his welcome message. “But probably my most important goal is to think of new ways to reach out and connect to each and every one of you.”
“Welcome to U of T or welcome back. Whether you’ve been here a while or are new to U of T, we are all class of 2-T-COVID,” says Professor Dionne Aleman (MIE) in her message. “Things are strange and different these days, like working from home, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll all be able to go back to normal, we just got to do our part to be responsible.”
In sharing advice to first-year students, Adriana Diaz Lozano Patiño (Year 3 EngSci) says to never hesitate to ask for help. “If you’re struggling through something, just reach out… make sure that you feel connected and that you don’t feel alone. We’re all here to support you.”
Mikhail Burke has experienced U of T Engineering as a student, instructor and as the Faculty’s Inclusion & Transition Advisor. His advice is to “stay calm and be you.”
“You’re the best at being you. Community will find you,” says Burke. “And if you still feel unsure about your place here at U of T, we have great resources, like me, to reach out to for help…. you got this.”
At time of publication, the capsule has received nearly 50 video messages. To watch, or record a message, visit: uofteng.capsule.video.
By Liz Do
This story originally published by Engineering News