Making its triumphant in-person return to Trent since the pandemic, the The Last Lecture – a sendoff to the graduating class – had the audience of 140+ challenging the way they think (this year’s theme) while also laughing, crying, and reflecting on their own Trent journeys.

Held on the last day of classes, The Last Lecture provided attendees with the opportunity to hear from four nominated-and-elected Trent ambassadors: 

• Student speaker: Misti Noël Worden (Otonabee College), fourth-year Biology student 
• Faculty speaker: Dr. Karen Blair, associate professor, Psychology 
• Alumni speaker: Don McIsaac ’76 (Otonabee College), mayor of Orillia 
• Staff speaker: Rachel Glofcheskie-Shewfelt ‘14 (Champlain College), Otonabee College assistant 

Tasked with imparting “life after Trent” wisdom, presenters shared anecdotes and words of inspiration on topics ranging from identity and grief to the importance of embracing uncertainty and mastering the art of problem-solving – all delivered with a blend of humour and vulnerability. 

Takeaways from the lectures include several ways to challenge the way you think about: 

Yourself

“Sometimes it’s not the institution, courses, bosses, or teachers that challenge us to think, it’s the moments amongst ourselves that challenge us best. And sometimes the outcome, reward, change, or impact isn’t immediate. It’s years later when we stand a little taller, react a little faster, show up a little kinder, or when we get invited to give a lecture to the graduating class, that we experience the different person we’ve grown into,” said Glofcheskie-Shewfelt. 

Your Opinions

“The more important the issue, the less you should rush yourself into rendering an opinion,” said Dr. Blair, offering some questions to consider when evaluating your beliefs: 

• Are there opinions that I hold merely because they are safe or popular? 
• Have I signed-on to seemingly virtuous views that are actually scientifically flawed? 
• Am I doing enough to seek information that will disprove what I desperately want to be true? 

Saying No

“Know the difference between quitting – an act of desperation – and stopping – an act of preservation,” said McIsaac. 

“Say no. You can always come back and say yes later.” 

Making ‘The Right Choice’ 

“Choose to do what makes you happy, even when it makes you scared. Choose to do what makes you happy, even when you think people are going to laugh. Put forth your best effort knowing that your best effort is allowed to change based on the day,” said Misti Noël. 

View the full recording of The Last Lecture.