For student don Marina Berbatiotis, the greatest part about being involved with the new Otonabee College Expressions Living Learning Community is the energy that radiates throughout the residence. “I always find myself surrounded by individuals who are amazingly creative and have an energetic presence,” she says.

One of Trent’s newest Living Learning Communities, Expressions is home to artists, musicians, actors and writers. It’s a home for students who share a true passion for the arts.

“Being part of Expressions is like taking on a second coat of skin. I live, breath and sleep Performing Arts,” Ms. Berbatiotis says, adding that the goal of the Expressions Community is to encourage artistic growth among students. “I want to share my passion with students with similar interests and provide them with challenges that will further their passion for the arts and encourage them to take leadership roles within the Trent Community.”

The Living Learning Communities at Trent take advantage of the fact that learning can happen in any university space, especially those outside the classroom. The Expressions Community offers students the opportunity to learn from one another through artistic endeavours. “Each student within this community has a unique style and opinion about the arts,” Ms. Berbatiotis says. “I encourage students to pursue their artistic interests and to share them with others across campus. Expressions can only benefit the residence life experience while taking arts at Trent to a whole new level.”

Sharing Similar Interests and Goals

Being part of a Living Learning Community provides first year students like Dayna Rose with the opportunity to connect with other students who share similar interests and goals. This common bond encourages learning and relationship-building to enhance the Trent experience. “OC Expressions has already impacted me a great deal. As a dancer, I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to find other dancers,” Ms. Rose says. “But as it turns out OC Expressions introduced me to several dancers of styles I’ve never even heard of. I’m learning new things and meeting new people.” Since coming to Trent in September, Ms. Rose has joined the Latin/Swing Dance Club and the Anne Shirley Theatre Company.

The Expressions Community has big plans for this school year. On October 28, they hosted their first event, Free Music Jam Day, where students were encouraged to share their music by playing in the OC residence hallways and outdoors. Talent showcases, coffee houses, photography contests and theatre games have also been planned. Ms. Rose is especially looking forward to So You Think You Can Dance Trent, a two-month-long dance competition, based on the popular reality TV show, which she is helping to organize. “It’s going to be just like the real thing,” she says. “And it’s going to be very entertaining.”

To learn more about Trent’s Living Learning Communities visit the website.

This story is featured in the November 2008 issue of Focus Trent. To read the complete issue, visit the publications website.