Colder Days, Warmer Connections  | Consent@Seneca

By Monice Morenzie 

Hi Seneca! I’m Monice, your Student Ambassador, and welcome to my first blog post. I’m looking forward to sharing thoughts about healthy relationships, student life, and the little things that help us feel connected to our community. With sweater weather settling in, this feels like a good place to start. 

Picture this: you and a friend make plans to grab coffee. Then the temperature drops. One of you texts, “Are we still going?”

The other replies, “My blanket has made a very convincing argument.”

Suddenly, “Let’s catch up soon” starts sounding like a plan for spring. 

If that scene feels familiar, consider this a gentle reminder to give your friendships a little space on the calendar, too. 

Between assignments, work, commuting, and family responsibilities, staying connected can take some intention. As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, it can become easier to postpone plans or let a conversation sit unanswered. A quiet evening at home can be exactly what we need, and there is also room to keep the people we care about close. 

Connection does not have to mean organizing a big outing. It might be a ten-minute phone call, a voice note to someone you miss, or asking a classmate, “Want to study together for an hour?” If getting together is difficult, try sharing a meal over a video call or sending a message that says more than “We should hang out sometime.” A specific invitation, even for something small, can make it easier to follow through. 

Healthy relationships also make room for boundaries. You can say, “I’m tired tonight, but I’d love to catch up this weekend.” You can ask a friend whether they want to talk, take a walk or simply have some company. We can care about each other while respecting different schedules, energy levels and needs. 

That sense of care can reach beyond our closest friends. Invite someone to join your study group. Say hello to the person you regularly see in class. Check in with a classmate who mentioned having a difficult week, without expecting them to share more than they want to. For someone still finding their place at Seneca, a small invitation can be a welcome start. 

And remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your own well-being deserves attention, too. Rest, nourishing meals, a break from your screen or an honest conversation about how you are doing can all be ways to make space for yourself. Asking for help belongs on that list. 

When things feel hard, Seneca offers a wide array of mental health and well-being supports, including self-guided resources, peer support, workshops, counselling and help connecting with community services. Counselling Services provides free, confidential support for currently enrolled students. You can explore the options and learn how to access support through the appointment information page. You do not need perfect words to start a conversation about needing support. 

So here’s my invitation for the week: reach out to one person, and check in with yourself, too. Ask, “How are you doing?” and leave a little room for an honest answer. 

I’m looking forward to more conversations with you in future posts. Until then, grab your favourite sweater, make that coffee plan and remember that your cup deserves refilling, too. 

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Monice Morenzie is a Seneca student ambassador, educator, and author with a passion for lifelong learning and community connection. She draws on her personal and professional experiences to encourage conversations about inclusion, well-being, and personal growth. At Seneca, she hopes to help students feel heard, supported, and connected to their campus community.

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