Judith Mintz

Toronto, Ontario
Canadian Studies Diploma

According to new graduate, Judith Mintz, Trent University changed her life. “It’s helped me remember myself and be truthful to myself,” she says.

A mother of two with a BFA from York University, Judith returned to school at Trent after a career as a yoga instructor and shiatsu therapist. Today, she is a graduate of the University’s post-graduate Canadian Studies Diploma program.

“In going back to school I woke up to myself,” Judith says. “I think it’s typical of mothers to lose themselves, but I’ve started to remember myself. It’s been very transformative. Being at Trent has helped me reconnect to ideology and find a voice to describe my feelings.”

Judith started work on her diploma in 2006. Since then, she has found the time to act on a number of student and community committees, raise her children and leave an excellent impression on faculty and fellow students. She has been member of the Board of Trent’s student-run organic café, The Seasoned Spoon, and on the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education (TCCBE) Advisory Committee. According to Judith, both opportunities have provided a great deal of learning and a chance to connect with students and the community.

“As a mature student it’s hard sometimes to connect with your colleagues. Being part of the Seasoned Spoon Board gave me the opportunity to participate in something social and connect to people outside the classroom,” she says.

With aspirations to continue her academic pursuits at the graduate level in Trent’s Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Judith hopes to continue with the research that brought her to Trent in the first place – a study of women’s midwifery in Canada.

With her great love of academia sure to develop as she continues her studies at Trent, Judith has some advice for others in a position similar to hers who may be considering a return to university. “Be focused with your time. Call on your support network. Stay physical. Build in time for diversions, and remember to eat properly,” she says, before adding with a smile, “Eat as well as you feed your kids; avoid sugar, although chocolate is really helpful.”