Learned something new while staying home? Share it with the Laurier community

During this period of isolation, people are discovering new hobbies and trying new activities to pass the time. To help keep the Wilfrid Laurier University community connected, the Centre for Off-Campus Initiatives and Laurier Alumni have teamed up to launch the “Learn Something New” campaign.

“Time that was spent visiting with family and friends, going to the movies and just being out in our communities has been replaced with a lot of time at home,” says Jess Calberry, manager of off-campus first-year initiatives.

The Idea

While staying home, Calberry started making bread, pretzels and maple syrup. “This got me thinking, ‘What are others doing and what new skills might I be able to learn from them?’” she says. This sparked the Learn Something New campaign.

What is the Learn Something New Campaign?

The campaign aims to encourage students, staff, faculty and alumni to document a hobby, talent or activity in a video. Submitted videos will be shared with the Laurier community, allowing others to learn new skills, discover new hobbies and try new activities in an online setting.

How You Can Participate

To participate, students, staff, faculty and alumni can record themselves teaching a skill, hobby or talent. Videos do not need to be edited, but should be filmed in portrait mode to be compatible with Instagram Stories. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to Calberry or fill out the form at bit.ly/WLU-learnsomethingnew.

When video submissions are received, they will be posted to the Laurier Off-Campus University Students (LOCUS) Instagram accounts (@locusbrantford and @locuswaterloo).

“Students have already expressed interest in teaching others how to increase their flexibility, how to knit and how to solve a Rubik’s Cube,” says Calberry. “I’m excited to see what other talents our community has up its sleeve.”

More Ways to Get Involved

Looking for more events to keep you connected with your fellow Golden Hawks? LOCUS is hosting virtual events and online gatherings while #LaurierStaysAtHome.

Whether you're looking for some games, watch parties or a way to show off your cooking skills LOCUS has you covered with their weekly online events.