Mary English-Cooper '72 (Catharine Parr Traill College)
In July 2005, I began researching my ancestors’ involvement in the 1825 Peter Robinson emigration experiment, which relocated 2024 impoverished, Irish tenant-farmers from Ireland to Canada. It was a sunny afternoon when I first visited the Peterborough Museum and Archives to investigate the topic. I began by searching through documents for information about my father’s paternal ancestors, surname English, but discovered that it was his mother’s grandparents, Patrick and Margaret Heffernan, who had been participants. I was interested in not only the facts but in how the participants must have been feeling and thinking while completing this monumental uprooting and life-changing journey. On that day, little did I know that my journey into years of researching and writing would result in a book entitled The Peter Robinson Experiment! (June 2024)
Related Class Notes
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This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to complete a field research internship with the prestigious Orca Behaviour Institute on San Juan Island, Washington. By recording the behaviours of two separate populations of killer whales in the Salish Sea, including the critically endangered southern resident orcas, I was able to utilize the skills I’ve gained from Trent, contribute to meaningful science, and make global connections with the marine mammal community. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I hope to continue advocating for these whales and their environment throughout my conservation career.
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As an elementary school teacher, I saw the need for more Social Emotional Learning. I wrote the children’s book, “Releasing the Complain Dragon,” which includes a detailed discussion guide for parents and teachers. This story is designed to help children understand that all emotions are important, that we are capable of meeting our needs, and that the best way to move forward during uncomfortable feelings is to practice self-compassion. The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
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There’s a group of alumni rowers from the mid-late 1970s, who continue to return to Trent every two to three years to reunite, reminisce, and row!
