An Unsung Hero - Interview with Gail Bowles-Fraser

It is rightly said that true heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic… It is the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

In the past few months, we heard many new words in the context of Covid-19, that have become a part of the daily vocabulary. Some words such as "corona warriors" or frontline workers, stand out immediately and bring a sense of gratitude for them. However, some undervalued heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic, who really need to be recognized, are the cleaning staff, very critical to preventing the spread of the virus. One such hero at StFX is Gail Bowles-Fraser from the cleaning staff, who is a very familiar face for all of us.

Gail is always there to help the new students at the residences, sometime even teaching them how to do laundry. The past few months have been challenging for Gail, who took some time off in summer, and is now back, ready to help us.

Gail grew up in Toronto but has been working at the University for the past 16 years. She lives with her husband in Antigonish. The people are very loving and supportive, she says. Talking about mental strength, Gail said, "the students provide me strength. And my source of motivation is seeing higher year students who are close to me. That is what gives me strength."

Gail said, "students become my family.” Her husband, Paul Fraser, is also very supportive of her work. Asked if she feels safe being back at campus, Gail says "knowing that there are testing rules on campus and everyone will be tested for Covid-19 before they arrive on campus made me feel safer too." "I can't wait to see all the students back on campus!"

Gail, who grew up in a rough neighbourhood in Toronto, but her husband is from Antigonish. She found the people here very nice, and this has been her since she moved here with her husband. Gail is very well connected with other community members and during her time off from the campus in summer, she would sometimes have tea with others at the porch. She really wants to do more for the Friendship Corner and the Library in Antigonish. However, the community that she loves the most and knows very well is the campus community. "I love that summer is over and the students are coming back… I am no longer just the cleaner to them; I feel more connected to the students here at StFX… almost as if I am their honorary aunt."

Gail loves to learn about other cultures and accept them in her life. Perhaps that’s the reason she is so close to students at StFX, who come from different backgrounds. Recalling her childhood, Gail says, "it was hard for us to be a blended family because we have many different blood streams and therefore different personalities but I believe that kindness helps to win people over, and I actually learned this from my mother."

She usually visits her family twice in a year but was not able to go this year because of Covid-19. She was also scheduled to visit Australia this year to visit her stepchildren and grandchildren, but it had to be cancelled. "My dream is to see the whole world," says Gail.