Elisa de Jesus is a fourth-year University of Manitoba Nutritional Sciences student who volunteers as a Cooking and Nutrition Class Assistant, a program coordinated by our Nutrition Services Manager, Briana Henry. Elisa learned about this volunteer opportunity through the student advocacy group Nutrition Education and Community Outreach (NECO) of which she is a member. She wanted to do something that was of interest to her, and the opportunity to help newcomers was particularly meaningful and a chance for her to give back. “My mom is an immigrant, and she didn’t have these services: they did not exist at the time.” 

Elisa joined the Centre at a time when due to the pandemic, classes were being offered remotely rather than in person. Undaunted by the challenges of teaching a virtual cooking class, she seized the opportunity to gain experience on how to deliver classes in a new format. Troubleshooting on the spot was often necessary, such as suggesting alternatives when a client needed a particular pot for a recipe but did not have one at home; however, Elisa remained committed to making the best of the experience and learning new skills.

While she acknowledges that in-person cooking classes are ideal, Elisa has an interesting perspective on her experience doing virtual classes. To her, having online classes meant that clients were opening up their homes and inviting you into their space, so she saw it as a privilege. At times, she says, kids and other family members would join in, which made classes feel like a family affair. 

When in-person classes resumed this fall, Elisa once again returned to volunteer, and has been an enthusiastic presence in the classroom. And while initially, volunteering was a requirement for her degree, it is no longer mandatory; but Elisa continues to volunteer. “I really like doing it and I also like connecting with the clients. Briana has always been super nice, helpful, and supportive.”