The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) is known for many things, not the least of which is consistently placing high in global university rankings. But, in addition to its academic reputation, KPE is perhaps best loved by students, staff and faculty for its unique sense of community.
That’s why, when COVID-19 forced all classes to move online, the Faculty’s Registrar’s Office launched KINections, a series of initiatives to help students connect with each other and get involved beyond the classroom.
“Working collaboratively with KPE student groups, Sport & Rec and U of T Student Life, KINections delivers curated activities that support student wellness and success,” says Wendy Pais, KPE’s registrar and director of student services. “KINections activities are organized around five themes: mentorship, health and wellness, community engagement, global citizenship and career development. An intentional focus on equity, diversity and inclusion is woven into all the themes, and is also the main topic for some events.”
Each theme has a dedicated team of students that pitches activities by writing and presenting a proposal. They then work collaboratively with staff to make the proposals a reality. That’s how the recent health and wellness initiative KINect with Us got started, launching with a karate workshop for kinesiology students.
KPE undergraduate student Daniel Torres in karate class (picture courtesy of Daniel Torres)
Second year kinesiology student Daniel Torres came to Canada from El Salvador eight years ago to pursue an education. Throughout high school, he had his eyes set on the University of Toronto, but didn’t consider studying kinesiology until he started to get involved in martial arts, specifically karate.
“That’s when my awareness and interest in kinesiology grew,” he says. “In short, I am in love with the kinesiology program. The more I move through it, the more I become fascinated and stimulated by the field. The knowledge and insights I’m getting are so useful and beneficial to understanding every aspect of the human body. Through kinesiology, my passion for karate has only increased, as I am now able to apply concepts learned in the program to martial arts.”
Torres says it was hard at first to adapt to classes moving online due to the pandemic, but he was able to adjust by setting in place new strategies and habits, including meditating, stretching and doing some resistance exercises every morning.
“This routine allows me to start the day with a clear head,” he says. “It is all about consistency, positivity and a clear head.”
Torres is currently a brown belt in karate. His black belt exam was scheduled last summer, but due the pandemic it has been postponed until further notice. While he waits, he is working on maintaining his skills and improving complex techniques by attending karate classes via Zoom three times a week.
“It’s different, but learning to adapt makes you better,” he says.
When he learned about KINections, he was excited to share his skills and offer support to other students at KPE. In return, he was hoping to boost his leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
“It was great,” he says. “I really enjoyed introducing other students to karate. I think the participants had a good time and, of course, they had a good sweat. I would love to do another karate session through KINections in the future.”
Torres describes karate as a great way to stay in shape and develop self-confidence. But, above all, he say “karate is a mindset that requires mental and physical discipline. Useful skills in times like these.”
A profile of KPE graduate student Zeana Hamdonah (picture courtesy of Zeana Hamdonah)
Students also worked together to organize and run a research panel featuring upper year students. Zeana Hamdonah is a second year master of kinesiology student working with Associate Professor Margaret MacNeill on research pertaining to Muslim women’s physical activity practices.
Describing her studies as somewhat hectic at the onset of the pandemic, she says the support she’s been receiving from the Faculty and her family has been enormous. In part, that’s what motivated her to do something to support undergraduate students new to research.
“Reflecting on my own experiences as an undergraduate, I wanted to organize an event that would explain how to go about research in the Faculty,” she says. “On a personal note, having done research as an undergraduate student has opened so many doors for me and led me to a career path I never thought I'd pursue. I believe conducting research is a very important process of personal and professional self-discovery and I wanted to create opportunities for students to grow from such experiences.”
Hamdonah recruited a group of six panelists, including undergraduate and graduate students, who all did research during their undergraduate program, to introduce undergraduate students to the research opportunities available at KPE.
“The level of student engagement and enthusiasm during the event was great to see,” she says. “Even following the event, the flood of emails that the panelists and I have been receiving from students wanting to learn more about research is inspiring.”
Many of the emails contained requests for more research-related events, indicating a growing interest in pursuing this path. In response, KINections is planning on hosting a similar event in the New Year that will give undergraduate students the opportunity to get a closer look at the types of research opportunities available across the different labs at KPE.
A plaque with a quote about kindness from the play A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley is attached to a bench in the backyard of KPE staffer Barb Brophey (picture courtesy of Barb Brophey)
One of KINections’ first initiatives, 2020 Acts of Kindness, wraps on December 9. A virtual challenge for the KPE community, it encouraged everyone to share an act of kindness they performed or received. Submissions were featured on KPE’s Instagram account.
“My dad’s favourite quote from A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley is, ‘an act of kindness is like the first green grape of summer; one leads to another and another and another,’” says Barb Brophey, a senior athletic instructor and gymnastics coach with the Varsity Blues, who came up with the challenge.
“I was reminded of that quote after seeing the story of a Toronto teacher, who made a promise to his students that he would ride his bike in a cow costume if they commit 250 acts of kindness and I thought what a great way to bring a community together. We can always use some positivity and kindness, but especially in the middle of a pandemic.”
To date, 297 acts of kindness were submitted from KPE students, staff, faculty and alumni, such as:
“Two flat tires in two rides and on both occasions someone stopped to make sure I was alright and didn't need any help. Made my days.”
“Brought cookies to a few co-workers that had answered sooo many of my questions while we were working remotely.”
“Did shopping for a housebound 84 year-old.”
“My dog has very unique markings and a beautiful face...he gets lots of attention. I was very cautious with COVID-19 about letting him interact with strangers, but to be honest, it does good for him and them. So, whenever we pass by a person who looks like they need a bright moment in their day, I make sure to offer up a "hello" and paw shake with him.”
“My friend was feeling a little down because she hadn’t seen us in a while so me and my other friend decided to surprise her and biked all the way to her house for a little socially distanced picnic.”
It's a fact. Pandemic or not, KPE abounds with community spirit. And, with a slate of activities planned for the New Year, KPE students can look forward to more opportunities to connect and support each other through KINections.