In our Prolific Personalities Series, we take a look at how our student-athletes are putting a positive spin on the year that's been, delving into the good that has come during an unprecedented time.
Griffin Copp, a fifth-year bioengineering major from Oakville, Ont., and a member of McGill's varsity alpine ski team, became familiar with the Canadian Mental Health Association through the Bell Let's Talk campaign. When COVID-19 hit just as the ski team was preparing for nationals, Copp decided to invest a portion of his newfound time working the Association's helplines.
"I was looking at volunteering opportunities and was specifically seeking out a support line. With the pandemic the work became fully remote, so I could take calls from home. They ask you to commit to spending at least four hours a week on the line, provide you with extensive training prior to getting on the phone, and go from there. It's been a really great experience, obviously with the pandemic a lot more people are dealing with loneliness, so I just do my best to be there to listen."
"I've learned during my time not to interject too frequently with my opinions, letting people take the conversation in the direction that they'd like to. It's tough for a lot of people to call when they need help, people can be nervous and unsure. I think the fact that a lot of human connections have been severed over the past year, there are a lot of people who just need to vent, to feel as though they have someone to hear them out. I plan on continuing my work with them, it's very rewarding and a great learning experience."
Copp is heading into the final year of his bioengineering degree and with the varsity program.
"I'm really excited for the upcoming season - we've already started dryland training, so we're gearing up. We were headed to the championship in 2020 on March 13 when everything was shut down, so we're definitely looking to avenge that and have a strong year. Throughout the pandemic our team has stayed in touch, so we should have a cohesive group that's well prepared."
"As far as my degree goes, I'm planning on getting into medical school once my degree is completed, so that's also very exciting and my applications are in. There's a lot to look forward to, and I think at this point everyone is looking forward to a return to normalcy. I'm excited to get back to Montreal."
If you are interested in volunteering with the Canadian Mental Health Association more information can be found here.
SOURCE:
Zachary McRae
Communications Officer
McGill Athletics & Recreation
514.616.5573 (Tel.)
www.mcgillathletics.ca
zachary.mcrae@mcgill.ca
