After 13 years filled with challenges and triumphs, Lucie Mackintosh (BA ’24) has found her footing in academia and a home in Brock’s Department of Classics and Archaeology.

Mackintosh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Classics, in the Greek and Roman Studies stream, on Friday, June 14 during Brock’s 115th Convocation.

Her walk across the stage was the end of a winding journey marked with detours caused by her mental health struggles.

Mackintosh began university 13 years ago, but anxiety and depression often led to feelings of isolation that prevented her from pursuing her degree full time.

After taking frequent breaks from her studies, she accessed Brock’s Student Health Services to seek help and finally received a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at the age of 25.

Once there was a solid treatment plan in place, Mackintosh received counselling support from the mental health nurse and accessed resources available through Student Accessibility Services.

Slowly but surely, she began breaking through barriers that stood between her and completing her post-secondary education.

Discovering a love of Classics, she decided to pursue it as a major and felt immediately supported by the faculty and staff in the Faculty of Humanities.

“The small class sizes were a big benefit, and I was able to connect with my peers and build a sense of community in the program,” she said.

Mackintosh found studying ancient languages to be of particular interest; an unexpected form of learning that had a therapeutic effect on her.

“As someone that has struggled with concentration in the past, learning the ancient language systems of Greek and Latin not only reinforced my commitment to my studies, but also taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and self-care,” Mackintosh said.

During the 2021 Winter Term, Mackintosh was relearning Greek by translating Plato’s Apology in her senior Greek language class. She said the process of translating, and being a part of the Classics community, helped take her mind away from negative things happening around her because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Lucie’s story exemplifies the Department of Classics and Archaeology’s commitment to encouraging student success by providing a supportive community where students can thrive,” said Katharine von Stackelberg, Associate Professor and Chair of Classics and Archaeology.

Reflecting on her own journey, Mackintosh emphasized the importance of reaching out for help when struggling with mental health or dealing with a learning disability.

“Failure does not have to mean the end of your academic career,” she said. “Sometimes a four-year degree takes 13 years to complete — and that’s OK. Go at your own pace, take courses that interest you and reach out when you are struggling.”

More information on Brock’s student health and wellness supports is available on the Brock website.