"We sisters of St. Martha, inspired by God’s graciousness, hear, embrace and respond to the cry for gospel hospitality"
This message and the warm smile of Sister Theresa greets students and staff as they enter the Wellspring Centre located on the second floor of Morrison Hall on the south side of the building at StFX.
The Wellspring Centre, which literally is a "Home Away from Home" for many of us, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. It is the most sought-after space by students, whether to complete their assignments, relax in between classes or just sit with friends. It was temporarily closed due to Covid-19 when the University opened in Fall, but has now opened with the required protocols. Stories of Hope talks to Sister Theresa Parker about her experiences and the new normal at the Wellspring Centre.
SOH: How have these restrictions impacted the visitors and you personally?
Sister Theresa: We didn’t even know if the Wellspring Centre was going to be open this year, but Elizabeth and Dave from the Tramble Centre for Accessible Learning were on board with the team to set up the study spaces here in Wellspring. They came with a measuring tape, and set tables and couches 6 ft apart, so students could cherish the comfort while maintaining social distancing.
I definitely miss the kitchenette. It was good to have a cup of tea, coffee, and cookies ready for students. We could not open it this year, but I remember last year a lot of students would get snacks there in between classes, and it is very important that students eat while studying.
There are new rules, like the sign-in sheet when you enter, and masks are mandatory inside the building. But it is wonderful to see so many people who were here last year are back here this year as well. And students don’t seem to mind the restrictions. They still come here to study while practicing safe social distancing. Right now, with midterm-week going on, students are coming in greater numbers.
SOH: How do you see things evolving post-Covid-19 and what does new normal mean to you?
Sister Theresa: It was a big shock in March when everything closed, and students went back. But I gardened in my backyard. I call it the Covid garden, and I grew all sorts of veggies like tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers. And then I had a herbal garden. During summer, I really took advantage of the extra time I had. This was my first summer in Nova Scotia since I moved from Alberta. I love the ocean, and summer was a beautiful time for swimming. I remember there being a lot of people at the beach, they would come in groups and spend the day there. It was beautiful.
My hope post-Covid is to connect with more and more people. I hope virtual meetings turn into physical meetings and we can see people face-to-face. I miss that bond and connections that build with seeing someone in-person.
SOH: Please also tell us about the Wellspring Centre, how it was set up, and its evolution over the years. You see different students coming here each session. What sort of changes have you observed over the years?
Sister Theresa: This was initially a place where the Sisters of St. Martha used to live, and I remember coming to the basement of the building where the piano was kept to study. By the way, the piano we have here now is the same one we have had over the years, and it is so interesting to see when students play it during their study breaks. It is peaceful, and the music is very calming to the ears. So I used to study in the basement with other sisters, and over the years it was decided to create a floor with study spaces here. We thought why not let all students come here to study in a peaceful home-like environment with cosy couches and rugs and a small kitchenette to get some coffee and cookies. I am always so happy to see students use this space, because that is the purpose. Although now I find it a little difficult to talk with students with the masks on, but, well, it’s necessary.
A few changes I have noticed over the years is that students are more stressed due to their work now. They are always busy and most of the time, have these things plugged into their ears, the headphones, and I just don’t know if I should talk to them. I am a social person and I love getting to know people, but students are very busy with assignments and exams and rarely have time to talk.