Pandemic Reflections - Kim Loeb

Meet Kim. Kim is the Executive Director of UWinnipeg PACE. Kim has a passion for creating a culture of innovation and collaboration and leading the team in developing and delivering professional programs that change our students’ lives. We asked her to reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her work life.

“I will never forget my last day in the office, Wednesday, March 18, all the students were gone, the halls were eerily silent, and only a few staff were left getting ready to work at home. I was startled when our Director of Finance said, “we won’t be back here for a long time”.

It’s been over three months now, far from what I thought would be a few weeks, so as usual, she was right. When the pandemic hit my first thought was to make sure our students were safe and could quickly convert to studies at home; we did not want to risk them not completing their programs. And also to make sure staff felt safe and had all the tools they needed to work from home. It was not easy but I feel we have accomplished these goals.

Times have been good at PACE for many years but in the back of my mind, I always knew something would change. I could never have predicted a global pandemic. Leading in crisis is not the same as leading in good times and our management team started meeting three times a week and figuring out what to do next. I am very proud of our team and our students for what we have accomplished in a short time, but we all are looking forward to the day when we can see each other and welcome our students back.

Prior to COVID, I spent a lot of time travelling. Now faced with no upcoming trips I found I had a lot more time to spend at home. I really love being at home so I don’t really miss the daily commute to the office.

What saved me from feeling isolated was the weekly virtual coffee break and happy hour with PACE staff where we could connect, as well as the WhatsApp group we formed. I also take time out every day for some exercise and have discovered some great apps. For the first time in years, I have been gardening, albeit on a small scale, and my two sons have really enjoyed all the amazing meals I have been making for them. I also have made my focus being present with students more and try to make as many of the check-ins with them just to see how everyone is doing.

Being forced to stay in Winnipeg has made me appreciate even more all the freedoms I took for granted. And while I look forward to being back in the office and travelling again, I have learned to enjoy this brief time where we have all had to take pause and really appreciate the simple things in life.”