university of alberta

Everlasting Pride /  by Christina Varvis

Remembering the Pride Rally at the University of Alberta

Any Pride Rally is guaranteed to be a good time, but when it takes place on campus, it becomes that much more meaningful and fun. I photographed it for the first time in 2016 alongside friends and coworkers, and it turned out to be one of my favourite memories during my years at the University of Alberta.

The whole time, I just kept running ahead, around, and after the crowd, capturing as many moments as I could notice amidst my own cheer, and I loved keeping up with their spirit. Looking back at these images now, I can still remember how I felt when the parade was over. It put me in such a good mood for the rest of the day, and I just felt so happy for my friends and everyone who was celebrating. I'm so glad the University of Alberta decided to organize it again this year, and I can't wait to photograph it again, too.

When I was thinking of a title for this post, I thought of the song Everlasting Light by The Black Keys. It has always been my absolute favourite song of theirs. Now that I listen to it as I look back at these moments, I think about all the incredible people in my life who are part of the LGBTQ+ Community, and I want to post it here for them and for the ones I have yet to meet. You'll always have my everlasting support and respect. Happy Pride. <3

The Nocturnal Bee /  by Christina Varvis

This short photo essay buzzes around one of the many busy bees that cares for the u of a campus, after hours.

During my years at The Gateway at the University of Alberta, I had a number of late nights, where I would be leaving the office just past 1:00 AM to catch that last train home. Looking back, although those times were tiring, I enjoyed them so much because of the company that kept me laughing and motivated, and the atmosphere that the campus charmed me with. 

Ram was somebody who I would always see as I'd be running out the door. He works as a caretaker, and his shifts usually start at about 11:00 PM and finish at about 7:00 AM. After a couple of times of seeing each other in the same building, we eventually began building a rapport. 

Fast forward a couple years, I had a project to do for my program at NAIT, where I had to put together a photo essay on a subject that held my interest, and that I wanted to learn more about. So, I went back to Ram and I decided to document him working one of his night shifts. I really wanted to learn more about what he did exactly, how he enjoyed it, what lead him to the U of A, and to basically walk in his shoes. In the end, it was a memorable experience that left me holding so much more respect for Ram, and his dedication to giving the students a space that is clean and safe to use everyday. I hope that by sharing these photos, other students will begin to express more gratitude for the caretakers at their own campus, and be more mindful of how they leave their lunch/study space, because the amount of work that caretakers undertake every night is humbling, and deserves more recognition and appreciation.