Chelsea Irvine '11, B.A. Honours, Sociology with Emphasis in Teacher Education, Whitby, Ontario

Whitby native, Chelsea Irvine could not pass up the opportunity to study at nearby Trent University Durham while still keeping her part-time job.  The close-knit community she found on campus confirmed that she had made the right decision when deciding on a post-secondary education.

“Trent University Durham was the right choice for me because I was not just a student number, but a face that the staff and professors came to know,” stated Chelsea.

Her initial plans to become a Psychology major changed drastically when she met first year sociology professor, Jim Cosgrave. Chelsea was immediately hooked by the passion, exuberance and enthusiasm that he shared with his class. “From that day forward, I had found my passion for sociology,” said Chelsea.  “I was able to take what I learned in class and relate it to everyday life events and popular culture.”

She feels the best thing about studying at Trent University Durham is the diversity of classes she was able to take ranging from International Development Studies, to Gender Studies to Math.

Outside of the classroom she values her volunteer experience in the Penpal program, engaging with young students and serving as an activity co-ordinator. “Trent’s involvement with this program provided me the opportunity to interact directly with children and strengthen not just my academic abilities, but help pursue my passion for working with children,” said Chelsea.

Chelsea will pursue a Bachelor or Education at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).   Upon becoming a certified teacher she hopes to one day teach abroad. 

Ultimately Chelsea wants to change the lives of future students. She feels her education has provided her with essential learning tools to make a difference, to analyze and reflect upon the world through a new perspective.  She hopes to take this analytical framework to better the current elementary school system. She credits the Trent faculty and staff including academic advisor Craig Cameron for giving her the confidence to push herself. Grounded in hard work and ambition Chelsea advises, “nothing in life comes easily; you have to fight for what you believe in.”

Chelsea plans to pursue further education throughout her life. She states, “I feel that no one is ever completely done learning, it is a continual process that I hope to always fulfill.”  

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent National Renewable Scholarships (2012,2013,2014)
• Trent Entrance Scholarship (2011)

Extracurricular Activities:

• Volunteer, Trent Penpal program (2011-2015)