Working to Make Campus Welcoming for All

Posted on Monday, September 27th, 2021

As the Wellness and Equity Centre Coordinator for the Students’ Association at Algonquin College, Quinn Blue understands the importance of having a space for students who face barriers to come together, make connections, and feel comfortable being their full selves.

“I think students in any context face a variety of different barriers,” says Blue, “and the campus setting is no different from the rest of the world. There are different barriers and oppressions to people being able to bring their full selves to school … and just having a space to connect with other students who might be facing similar barriers, to have a space where you might be able to talk about a crappy thing that happened, is really important.”

The Wellness and Equity Centre is a space at the College focused on mental health and wellness, and all the equity issues that can impact them. “It’s a space and campus environment that is welcoming to absolutely everyone regardless of gender, sexuality, disability, race and mental health status,” explains Blue.


Students can drop into the Centre casually throughout the day to simply hang out, meet others, or participate in one of its events or activities. The Centre also organizes education-based work, such as making and delivering training, Wellness Week, and connecting people to the resources they need. As the Centre’s coordinator, a lot of this falls to Blue, who believes the education component of his job — which is one of his favourite aspects of the role — is vital.

“I love the opportunity to share knowledge and support learners in whatever context, and bring out their own knowledge,” Blue says. “That brings me a lot of joy to be able to do.”

“My other favourite part is getting to meet so many different students and support them in all sorts of different ways, and help them be their best and happiest selves.”

Blue didn’t plan to go into this line of work. While studying Women and Gender Studies at the University of Ottawa, he started working for Student Services as the coordinator of the Pride Centre. He loved the work. When he graduated and saw the position of Wellness and Equity Centre Coordinator come up at Algonquin, it seemed like the stars were aligned.

“I accidentally fell into [this work] through working at the Student Union at Ottawa U, and I’m really grateful that I did. Sometimes our career paths take us where we need to go.”

The transition to working online during the pandemic hasn’t been easy, but Blue says the Centre has adapted and continues to host a regular drop-in space online, run virtual events, and deliver training. He is looking forward to a return to campus, saying the centre plans to run more events when they do. On Sunday, August 22, Blue acted as the emcee for the inaugural rainbow lighting of the pedestrian bridge over Woodroffe Avenue at Algonquin College, an event he helped organize.

As for the direction of his career, Blue imagines continuing along this line. “I absolutely love working in student life and working directly with people to make their lives just a bit easier or better. I would love to continue to do that work.”

For more information on the Students’ Association Wellness and Equity Centre, click here.


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