Julie Eldridge '11, B.A. Honours, Political Studies and Sociology, Prince Edward County, Ontario

According to Julie she bleeds Trent green. Talk about being true to your school.

Julie’s devotion stems from many things including Trent’s connectedness to nature, respected professors, and most notably an opportunity through the Trent Study Abroad Program to attend the University of Dundee in Scotland.

 “My year abroad was the best thing I have done with my life so far,” affirms Julie.  “It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to become a true global citizen and experience politics outside of Canada.”

While participating in the program Julie received the Rita Chiu Bursary which ultimately enhanced her experience by enabling her to travel though Europe and learn about many different cultures.

During Julie’s time at Trent she channelled her passion for service in the community through the Trent Campus Lion’s Club. She nurtured her passion for politics within the Trent Model United Nations Society which offered Julie opportunities to attend conferences with students from all over North America, and meet high-profile keynote speakers and guests. 

“The Trent students running the organization are dedicated, they made me feel comfortable and confident,” recalled Julie.

Julie feels Trent allowed her to explore many options before selecting a major. She said, “Trent was the right university for me because it allowed me to change my mind about my major which is something I feel that twenty-something students need to be able to do.”

Once deciding on her joint major in Political Studies and Sociology she hasn’t looked back. Subsequently she admits to driving her family crazy with her daily sociological analyses of everyday situations.

 She also appreciates the opportunity to study with well-respected faculty.  “Learning from people who work in the field and are published in their area of research made all the difference,” stated Julie.  “When I have spoken to people from other universities they recognized my professors’ names!”

She thanks Dr. Jenny Ellison for assistance with Julie’s community-based research project for the Peterborough Social Planning Council and credits Dr. Gillian Balfour as a catalyst that propelled her into Sociology.

“My professors have made my Trent experience that much more special through their dedication and passion,” said Julie.

Now graduating from Trent, Julie has applied to the University of Ottawa for a master’s degree in Public Administration with a specialization in Women’s Studies. Julie is confident about her future.

“Trent has given me the skills necessary to succeed at graduate school, as I have experience writing academic papers and conducting qualitative field research.” She continues, “I hope to become a part of the Canadian government someday and represent Trent at the highest level of Canadian politics.”

 

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Rita Chiu Bursary (2013)

Extracurricular activities:

• Participant, Model United Nations (2014-2015)
• Participant, Trent Study Abroad Program (2013-2014)
• Member, Trent Campus Lion’s Club (2012-2015)
• Player, Trent intra-mural soccer league (2012)