Throughout the months of April and May, Ontario Tech varsity student-athletes that have stepped up as leaders during the 2020-21 academic season will be featured as part of the Ridgebacks Leadership Series on goridgebacks.com. These will be posted twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
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OSHAWA, Ont. – The 2020-21 academic year was an unusual one for all student-athletes, but that didn't keep
Sam Latta from stepping up as a leader with her team and in the community. The fourth-year kinesiology student has been a key member of the dance program throughout her time at Ontario Tech, but during the pandemic, she has only stepped up more as a leader.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has taken the time to volunteer with COVID-19 screenings at Grandview Children's Centre. Latta and the dance team had previously been involved at Grandview through the athletic department's Ridgeback Days, which saw a different team visit each month to spend time with the children at Campbell's Children School.
"Finding ways to give back to the community has helped boost my mood as I found a purpose during this difficult time," she said. "I achieved this by securing a volunteer position at Grandview Children's Centre to screen for COVID-19 and greet parents, as well as the dance team hosting a Zoom dance class for the children."
It was extremely important for Latta to provide positive morale for everyone, including her teammates. Checking in with her teammates to understand what they all have going on with online school was important for them to effectively move forward during this time.
She prioritized working with her teammates by organizing and leading the team's practices throughout the year, as well as the team organizing the Ridgeback Rumble during orientation and numerous virtual dance events open to the community.
"The thing I am most thankful for during my time being a Ridgeback is the opportunities it has provided me to become involved within Ontario Tech," she said. "The sense of comradery with not only my team but other athletes makes being on campus feel so safe and connected. Having the opportunity to participate in the sport I love, while going to school, is something I am forever grateful I decided to do. Being a Ridgeback has left me with lasting relationships and fundamental skills I will take forward with me in my future."
Varsity athletes typically have a grueling schedule. Juggling competitive athletics and academics can be hard, but Latta wouldn't change it for the world. From competing and practicing almost every day to nothing has had an impact on them. For her, it has been extremely tough to have dance taken away from her and her teammates. There hasn't been a time in their lives with this much time away from their sport.
With the inability to see friends and loved ones in person, it is very easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the important social connections in life. Without having something to look forward to this season has been unexpectedly challenging to navigate.
"The single most thing I miss most about this season was not being able to dance on stage with my team. It is an unmatched feeling that doesn't compare to in-studio or video classes. I miss experiencing the excitement before these shows and competitions with my teammates."
Although this pandemic has been very difficult and unexpected, it has made Latta extremely grateful for her health and the ability to continue getting an education during this time.
