The fun of living in your work space!

Students from all over Atlantic Canada come to Prince Edward Island to complete their studies. Owen Wade is from Halifax Nova Scotia. Recently graduated from high school, Owen always knew he wanted to do something in the Culinary Industry. Owen is currently in his first year of earning his diploma in Culinary Arts. He lives on campus but Owen also works as the Residence Living Coridinator or for short, RLC. His assigned floor is the first floor of Glendenning Residence. Typically this job is only offered to second year students but Owen applied anyway and was thrilled to be hired on.

Days before residents arrive on campus, RLCs spend a few days training to deal with different scenarios that might occur while they are working. The RLC is there to stop disputes and ensure there are no crazy things are going on in the building so that students can have an enjoyable and safe living experience. They have to have certified first aid training, and their CPR. They learn lots of things like what to do when a student is in distress or how to handle a situation when a fire has occurred.

Students struggle, it's completely human for people to have stressful moments while living in residence. For some, its their first time away from home for others, they have never lived in a building with so many different people. Owen can help put students in contact with the right resources. Holland College offers several mental health resources and counselling services to ensure students are not left struggling. The staff at Holland College wants to make sure that the student experience is the absolute best for the time students study here.

The students themselves are not licensed in any way to be a professional mental health resource, but they are there as a shoulder for everyone. Owen has already had to help people out this year on several emotional levels, and has even assisted in helping a resident move over from Cumberland Residence to Glendenning Residence.

Another one of the responsibilities Owen has is to plan events for the students living in residence. They are given a budget each month to spend on whatever they want to plan for the residents. Recently there was a potluck with gingerbread decorating. In the past students have participated in a Super Smash Brothers tournament where they had to play the hit fighting game against each other on switch. One RLC even did a pool party at UPEI for students to enjoy themselves for a few hours.

The students love the events. It gets everyone excited to spend time together as a big family. The events have had positive feedback from students who have attended.

Living on residence has allowed Owen to comfortably study at Holland College and also make some tight bonds. Without this residence job Owen was afraid he would not find a place to live while studying here. He is hoping next year, he will be able to apply for the job again because the experience has been amazing so far.

Only one semester has passed, Owen has not had to deal with much and enjoys all the social aspects his job has provided him. School is rather busy for Owen, especially as the holidays are on the way. The Culinary program is designed to make students feel like they are genuinely in the industry from the day they step foot in the kitchens. Holland College's Culinary Arts program is ranked as being one of the best culinary program in the Maritimes.

Students should always feel like they can have people who support them when things are rough.

“I want to make sure the building is all safe and people are comfortable in their homes.” He wants to remind people to be safe and respectful while living in residence.

There are systems in place that are there to ensure there is fair discipline across the board should there be a situation in which they are needed. It is not his favourite part of the job, but everyone needs to have a safe atmosphere while living in residence.

Owen will be returning to Halifax for the holidays. Owen wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday as the winter break is unfolding. He is excited to see everyone when he is back in 2022.

Holland College has reminded students traveling for the holidays, they must get a PEI pass set up to return to the Island for the second semester. You can find a link for the PEI pass here. All students should make travel plans to avoid conflict in reaching destinations. Check the provincial travel guidelines and stay up to date with the local Covid-19 rules and restrictions.

Written by: Marley Durant