Fenya Fitzpatrick

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology major (Sociology minor), 3rd Year

Course: CSL 100 (Fall 2020) with Instructor Jay Friesen

Who was your community partner and can you describe the project objectives? 

I worked with Better Environments Canada, an organization founded during COVID-19, to help run a local clean up event in the community.

What was your biggest takeaway from your CSL placement? 

My biggest takeaway from my placement was to approach everything with an open mind. Cleaning up garbage may sound like a chore at first, not something one would want to do willingly in their free time, but when you actually do it, it can be a lot of fun! I never thought that cleaning up garbage would actually be enjoyable, but it is incredibly satisfying to see all the progress you have made after a big cleanup. Not only that, but you're doing it alongside like-minded people who also care about the environment and want to make the area look better, and that team mentality adds to a sense of community that is harder to come by during this pandemic. I became proud of the work we were doing and the people I was doing it with. My experience certainly exceeded my expectations!

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?

I plan on using this knowledge in the future by keeping an open mind in all aspects of my life. Certain tasks, engagements, and opportunities may seem uninteresting or onerous, but you never know what your experience is going to be until you try it for yourself, and you might just be pleasantly surprised by the outcome! It's always worth giving something a try.

What are some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected your community partner or your placement? 

Better Environments Canada was actually started during the pandemic as a way for people to come together that still adhered to COVID-19 safety standards, as these cleanup events are done outside with volunteers wearing masks at all times. Since the events are done out in large open areas, it's easy for everyone to keep a safe distance while still working together towards a common goal.