Shaye Hutchinson

Hamilton, Ontario
Women’s Studies

In describing her chosen academic program, Shaye Hutchinson says, “I chose Women’s Studies as my major because I really like that my formal education affects how I live my life. What I am learning directly affects how I go about my everyday activities and impacts my beliefs, politics, and outlook on society and the world.”

For Shaye, a new graduate, the practical applications of studying Women’s Studies have been the most beneficial part of being at Trent. With a passion for social justice activism Shaye was a member of Transmission, Peterborough’s local trans-advocacy group, and she helped organize the 2010 Bodies of Dissent Conference, genderTALKS and Trans Day of Remembrance. In 2009, Shaye was the summer coordinator for the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, participating in and organizing Dis-Orientation Week. At Trent, Shaye has also been involved with the IMPACT Leadership program and served as an off-campus don.

“My passion for activism has definitely been developed through my experiences at Trent,” Shaye says. “Women’s Studies fosters both academic learning and hands-on experiences and encourages and recognizes community work.”

Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Shaye has plans to stay in Peterborough, hoping to obtain a staffing position at Trent. “I would find it a privilege to assist others in their experiences at Trent,” she says. Shaye also sees activist work as a large part of the future and hopes to move beyond volunteer positions to begin working with not-for-profit organizations.