If you have ever had a class at Traill College, chances are you have seen recent English Literature graduate Jess Weitz crocheting. Although knitting needles are not found in every student’s pencil case, Ms. Weitz never leaves the house without them, and for good reason.

Ms. Weitz says that knitting and crocheting began as a way for her to de-stress and focus during busy times as a student. From socks to headbands to cacti and octopi, her knit and crocheted creations quickly caught the eye of her classmates, gaining popularity and motivating her to create her own business in her third-year.

The business, Julia’s Sister, which is named after Ms. Weitz’s younger sister, began on a whim, but she says it has slowly become a way to support her studies at Trent and has opened unexpected doors to success. Most recently, Ms. Weitz has expanded her business from an online Etsy shop to shelf front in local artisan shop Watson and Lou, has organized and hosted the Electric City Makers Summer Showcase during the Ad Hoc Arts Committee’s monthly Art Crawl, and called in for a chat with Wei Chen from CBC Radio’s Ontario Morning to discuss the climate of independent online craft businesses – all while finishing her final year in the English Literature program.

It has been a busy few months for Ms. Weitz, however she will be back at Trent this September for her first year in Trent’s Social Work program. She adds that it is thanks to the support systems in place at Trent that she has been able to succeed with her professional pursuits, and choose the right career path.

“My love for Trent has grown even more, as I have come to see how inclusive the school is, and how supportive it can be. I’ve personally been affected by mental health difficulties and am very passionate about working with populations dealing with mental health issues here in our community. So I decided that perusing a degree in Social Work would allow me to seek employment that works towards bettering the lives of those around me.”