Pandemic Reflections - Julie Schellenberg

Meet Julie Schellenberg. Julie is one of our Program Managers at UWinnipeg PACE. She has a host of responsibilities at PACE including overseeing our suite of marketing programs (PR, Marketing & Strategic Communication Management Diploma, Marketing Management Diploma, and the Digital & Social Media Marketing Certificate) and our Supply Chain Management Diploma. We asked her to reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her work life.

“PACE’s management team pivoted to deliver our quality in-class programming to fully online as the reality of Covid-19 moved towards Manitoba in the middle of March. Not an easy feat to do. In this process, I have observed a renewed sense of team and a “togetherness” in our organization at all levels.

"When the chips are down” and challenging times roll over, I reflect on how I am going to respond. I have choices to make. From shock and worry, frustration and resignation, to acceptance and curiosity, and seeing the opportunities to implement new wisdom – I am experiencing it all in this pandemic and I am seeing the people in our organization doing the same. Very often it is the “can do” influence of others that inspires me to press on, stay hopeful, keep my sense of humor, and find ways through the challenges.

PACE students are remarkable and talented. I am hearing stories of resilience, determination, and positivity as students are adjusting to online learning and studying at home amidst this pandemic. While I see there are very real challenges for many students – being far from home and family, juggling homeschooling children, and navigating tough personal circumstances – students keep steadily moving forward in their education and commitment to investing in their futures.

PACE instructors are creative and committed. I see their willingness to adapt their materials for online delivery, take risks, and incorporate the use of technology in new ways to ensure students get the theory and applied skills they are going to need for the next step in their career path.

PACE staff is a group of 33 people – we are a small but mighty team! With great care, ingenuity, and collaboration, we are navigating this “new normal” in education. I am very grateful for our leadership’s vision and support, and the contribution and help of each of my colleagues.

Cheers to our students, instructors and staff for your inspiration and “can do” influence!  We are all in this together!”