Kiwi legends zoom in to cheer up isolating Ara students
Ōtautahi House student accommodation team has been hosting regular Hono/Connect Zoom sessions for students in isolation
Covid-19 has disrupted and changed the ways people are able to connect and gather, especially when they have to isolate. At Ara, the Ōtautahi House student accommodation team has been hard at work over the last couple of weeks making sure residents, and other Ara students feel connected while isolating.
The team has been hosting regular Hono/Connect Zoom sessions for students in isolation, virtually connecting flats and students with each other and with Ara colleagues, to make sure their wellbeing is top priority.
To inspire, entertain and give students a laugh, in what is a trying time, these hono sessions have featured some special guests, including: empowering youth advocate Chlöe Swarbrick (Green MP for Auckland Central) and NZ comedian Chris Parker.
Meg Nelis, Learning Advisor- Wellbeing at Ara said, “Zoom is a blessing for online connecting, and it’s been awesome to see the willingness for Kiwi legends to support Ara learners impacted by the current covid context!”
Nelis says she organised these sessions to help combat loneliness and boredom for students while isolating.
“Supporting mental wellbeing through socialising does not always need to be about asking how someone is, how the impacts of covid are going, and what they are doing to care for themselves… I know for me, a good laugh and a bit of light-hearted distraction with comedy and storytelling is just as good!”
As a young member of Parliament, Chlöe Swarbrick is passionate about advocating for youth voices. Swarbrick talked with the isolating students about the power of students raising their voices and advocating within their institutions.
While on the Zoom call one O-house resident told Swarbrick that they were craving pink-iced donuts, and another said their 18th birthday would be celebrated iso-style – as a result Ara had two care packages delivered to their doorsteps the following day.
In another session Chris Parker dropped in for a special comedy *half* hour. Parker, a well-known actor, comedian, podcaster, laugh-master, and kiwi legend, dove deep to answer questions and share stories with the students. From behind-the-scenes stories of Celebrity Treasure Island to tales of his own isolation meal fiascos, skydiving and isolation survival advice – Parker covered a range of topics.
Parker advised the students to embrace their feelings and keep connecting with people virtually and on the phone.
The Ō-House Student Accommodation team had so much fun organising these gatherings that they’ve planned another comedy half-hour for this Friday, this time with Ōtautahi local, past Billy T Award-winner, and NZ Taskmaster extraordinaire – David Correos.
Nelis says, “Seeing the students smile, dress-up, laugh, and relax brings a big smile to the face… and is proof that a laugh is sometimes all it takes!”