Future educator, Taylor Armitage, hopes to inspire the next generation of scientists by breaking down stereotypes within the sector.

“Often, when people think of a career in science they picture the stereotypical scientist and say ‘I’m not like a scientist, I can’t be that way’, but there's no one way to be a scientist,” says Ms. Armitage, who completed her undergraduate degree in Physics at Trent and Master’s in Astronomy before returning to Trent to undertake a Bachelor of Education. “I'd like to show my students that there's many ways to be successful in various fields, and I hope that they find their path through that.”

Ms. Armitage has always felt supported in her decision to study Physics and Astronomy, particularly by her teachers and later her professors, which convinced her to pursue her goals. She hopes to instill the same inquisitive mindset in her future students.

“The number one question, any student asks in math or science is ‘why am I learning this?’ I want to show students the real life applications, and how to be critical thinkers and have good science and literacy skills so that even if they aren't going into these fields, they can still take news articles or things they see in everyday life and be able to form an informed opinion,” she explains.

Sense of belonging at Trent

Trent’s small class sizes, opportunity for open discussions during lectures, and the sense of community on campus, brought Ms. Armitage back to complete her second degree at Trent.

“There's a reason I came back to Trent to do my Bachelor of Education degree. I have an attachment to Trent because I’m not just a face in a sea of people – my professors actually knew who I was and knew my name, which made it 100% easier to participate in class.”

If Ms. Armitage could give future Trent students any advice, it would be to ask for help when you need it.

“I was I was a very good student, but one thing I lacked was asking for help when I needed it. So that is one thing I would tell myself as a first year, or other incoming students – ask for help when you need it, because there are so many people who are willing to help at Trent.”

Learn more about Trent’s prestigious School of Education or our renowned Physics B.Sc. program.

Trent University prides itself on providing an outstanding personal and interactive learning environment. This story is part of the #FacesofTrentU series, which highlights our many student success stories and the numerous dynamic programs offered at Trent.