During the age of online learning, creating a sense of normalcy for students has become extremely difficult. The student experience has typically included a large social element, and trying to implement this while being “remote” was an obstacle for many student organizations.
Despite this, the Canadian Respiratory Therapy Federation (CRTF) at Conestoga College came together to ensure students still had the best experience possible. We adapted to this new digital learning environment by holding many events such as charity fundraisers and various online social events in order to provide students with opportunities to connect with each other.
We were able to kick off our first semester with a virtual game night, a program-wide secret Santa, as well as the RTSO door decorating contest, which allowed us to showcase our profession in an exciting way. The members of the CRTF were even able to provide some comedic relief to our students by filming an instructor impersonation skit!
Ever wondered if your instructors can also answer RT-related questions in a stressful, time-crunched environment? Our students found out the answer to this with our highly anticipated event of the year: instructor trivia night! The money received from winning the door decorating contest combined with donations from our trivia night, helped us raised a remarkable $680 which we were able to donate to Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice.
From final exam reviews to guest lecturers, the CRTF was able to expand learning beyond just the classroom. Our first guest lecturer, Paula Smith, spoke about the basics of tracheostomy; resources for RRTs, caregivers and patients; and COVID-19 considerations in the patient with tracheostomy. Over Student Success Week, we had two more amazing guest lecturers: Patrick Nellis and Thomas Piraino. Patrick Nellis was able to teach us about filtration and filtration devices seen in the field today. Thomas Piraino discussed COVID-19 ventilation strategies that are currently being used to fight the pandemic. Thank you to these 3 amazing guest lecturers!
During the months of March and April, the CRTF organized two donation drives aimed to further support our community. The first event focused on collecting one of the most requested yet least donated items: menstrual hygiene products. With the “Tampon Tuesday” drive, hundreds of feminine hygiene products were collected and donated to local shelters, food banks, and community organizations supporting women. The second event was to raise funds, along with collecting non-perishable food items, for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Over 50 pounds of food were collected and $322 was raised in donations, which allowed the Food Bank of Waterloo Region to provide 969 meals to those in need.
Being part of an organization that was able to accomplish such great things during a global pandemic has played a huge part in cultivating a positive experience for our students and ourselves at Conestoga College, despite our new reality.
