Calling All Talent: #TrentInProgress Invites Student Camaraderie and Shows that #TrentUCares
Trent Durham Student Association holds fast to student connection while physical distancing
Although COVID-19 is keeping Trent University Durham GTA students away from campus, it can’t stop them from strutting their stuff. Through #TrentInProgress, the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA) is challenging students to develop and ultimately show off, new-found skills and talents. From singers to artists, dancers and more, The TDSA wants to bring students together, one virtual performance at a time.
“Students are making incredible sacrifices to stay home to keep their communities safe,” reflects Rayna Porter, TDSA vice president of university affairs. “Why not celebrate that they are managing to work on new skills on top of that?
So far entries have included TikTok dances, hand stands, short stories and paintings. All creative efforts are welcome.
Nick Ryan, president of the TDSA feels that #TrentInProgress is a social media initiative that was created to support student well-being during this time of social distancing.
“We feel it is important to stay active and connected during social isolation and what better way to do that than by showing off your talents, or learning new ones,” states Mr. Ryan. “This will help our students stay connected and give an important break from the stress and boredom of being at home.”
“This kind of initiative reflects the small and close-knit nature of the campus,” reflects Mr. Ryan. “We need to be as light-hearted and expressive as possible!”
To be eligible to receive a $25 gift card, students are encouraged to post their progress weekly throughout April and tag their entries with #TrentInProgress and @trentdurhamsa. Check out @trentdurhamsa on Instagram for more details.
#TrentInProgress adds to the growing list of student supports found at Trent Durham during the pandemic including online library resources, remote work staff and faculty, as well as student funding relief. The TDSA also launched TDSA Digital Peer Support, which offers video chats for students who need to talk. It can be found @trentdurhamsa.
Ms. Porter observes “We are so proud of the initiatives our association is working on and the effort our students have shown to help them flourish.”
The #TrentUCares social media campaign is inviting alumni, faculty, staff, community members and supporters to write words of encouragement for students on social media, tagging @TrentUniversity, using the #TrentUCares hashtag. Messages can also be submitted by email to alumni@trentu.ca.
Learn more or make a donation to the #TrentUCares campaign. https://mycommunity.trentu.ca/giving/annual-giving