by Ainsley Carry
This post was originally an email sent to all UBC Students on April 16, 2020.
I hope this message finds you safe, healthy, and well. As the world comes together to respond to the fight against COVID-19, we find ourselves in unprecedented times while we wrap up the Winter term and head into final exams.
I know you may be experiencing feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear, and stress. These are normal responses to the challenges the world is facing. There is hope and inspiration in how communities around the world are rallying together and supporting each other. I, for one, have found optimism and inspiration in your resilience during this challenging time.
Student resources during the COVID-19 outbreak
Your health and wellbeing should be your top priority right now. If you need support, please ask for help.
Student websites at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan contain information and resources to help answer many of your questions.
You are not alone. Everyone at the University—faculty, staff, and administration—are doing their best to make sure you have what you need to navigate these extraordinary circumstances.
Graduation
Congratulations to our spring 2020 graduates! I know this is not how you imagined you would be finishing your degree at UBC.
It was a difficult decision to postpone the in-person Spring 2020 Graduation Celebrations—I know how disappointing it will be for you. I too am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to celebrate with you in person; however, we will be able to celebrate your achievements through a virtual event. More details will be provided as they become available. I wish all of you my most sincere heartfelt congratulations!
Stay home and stay safe
Finally, thank you for doing your part to fight the spread of the Coronavirus by staying home and practicing physical distancing. I know this is hard. I miss going to the movies, bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and athletic events. Yet, I know those days will come again as long as we continue to do our part.
As we have been hearing from Dr. Bonnie Henry, our Provincial Health Officer, now is the time to keep our firewall strong. We must protect ourselves and each other by staying home, social distancing, washing our hands, and encouraging our friends and family to do the same.
I wish you all the best as you complete your final projects, papers, and exams. Take care of yourself. If you need some advice, our UBC Life student writers have some great, simple tips on self-care.
I want to remind you of the supports available to you—ask for help if you need it.
We are in this together and will get through this together.