As the University slowly prepares for a phased return to campus, it’s important to remember those who never left. Here we speak to Aaron Kelly from
Accommodation, Catering and Events (ACE) about adapting to the pandemic, and how their jobs have changed over the past 20 months.
Aaron Kelly, Assistant Residence Life Coordinator and a live-in Warden, for Buccleuch Place, Buccleuch Place Lane and Ascham Court, has also struggled to maintain a positive attitude.
“Losing everyday face-to-face interactions with other colleagues was difficult to adjust to, I felt really isolated working from home. There was an initial honeymoon period which wore off very quickly and I struggled with keeping a positive mind set. I made a point of calling colleagues to talk about work but more importantly, just to have a chat. Those regular calls really helped contribute to my wellbeing during the pandemic."
Aaron has also made sure the 400 postgraduate students his team are responsible for were interacting online too.
“Loneliness and isolation are common for students in a normal year, however lockdown has exacerbated this. At Residence Life we have been running social events to help build a sense of community, providing great opportunities for students to meet and make new friends.
One of the things that has changed the most is the way we deliver these events. Wardens, Resident Assistants and the central Residence Life team spent a lot of time tailoring the events programme to an online audience. We adapted well and run a number of really successful online events including competitions, quizzes and fitness classes.
I really enjoy cooking so I was able to combine my passion with work and set up the very popular Residence Life ‘Cook-alongs’. Every Friday night for 12 weeks during lockdown, I cooked a dish on Facebook Live and students were invited to tune in and cook along with me. Some of my highlights included lamb burgers, leek and mushroom pasta and even pan-fried cod with a black pudding crumb and white wine sauce.
“The ‘cook-alongs’ gathered 20,000 views from students as far away as China, Mexico and USA. I thoroughly enjoyed running them and got some great feedback from those that took part.”