Sofia Knopf, left, and Emily Bogusz co-founded a student club at UBC Okanagan to help their peers navigate grief, support one another and build resilience.
When Sofia Knopf was a child, her mother would read books about death to help her daughter understand that loss is a normal part of life.
The frank discussions were necessary, because Knopf was seven when her mother died.
While difficult, those early lessons shaped how the psychology student at UBC Okanagan views grief and the role she can play for others facing it.
It’s why Knopf and Emily Bogusz, a graduate of UBC Okanagan’s microbiology program, spearheaded the Palliative Care Club at UBC Okanagan.
“Responding to grief is difficult. We often overthink our words, which can lead to saying nothing, relying on clichés, or offering empty sympathy instead of meaningful support,” Knopf says.
“Being there for someone in a time of loss can be messy, but the greatest support we can offer is simply showing up—to listen, hold space and be present in those raw, vulnerable moments.”
Understanding the role of compassion
Dr. Barb Pesut, a nursing professor with a background in end-of-life care, introduced the students when they approached her asking about undergraduate research opportunities.
Over the years, Dr. Pesut says she’s watched many students struggle to balance their own anxieties with life’s demands and was thrilled to learn about the club. Dr. Pesut says a peer group that focuses on grief is invaluable in improving the student experience.
“Students can be fearless, but they need guidance,” she says. “They’re stepping into territory many adults avoid. What’s inspiring is their willingness to face these subjects head-on, to say ‘Yes, this is uncomfortable, and we’re going to do it anyway.’”
Read the full story here: UBC Okanagan News