Boxing draws fighters from marginalized communities. As a trans man, I have fought intense ‘negative’ feelings most of my life – emotions culminating into rage. I joined an amateur boxing club in Ottawa after trying to instigate a street altercation with a stranger. Feeling out of control, I sought refuge with others who also believe fighting solves problems.

Professor Irving is a faculty member in the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Feminist Institute of Social Transformation at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University.

Ìý(2023), “Slipping Into the Shadows: Boxing, Affect and Healing Justice”, Ìý²¹²Ô»å Ìý(·¡»å.) Trans Athletes’ ResistanceÌý(Emerald Studies in Sport and Gender), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-69.

Provost Scholar Award Virtual Ceremony

Question 1: How has your experience in Child Studies been?

My experience has been wonderful. It started with meeting Georgina Cole (CHYS undergrad administrator) who was absolutely helpful and welcoming in answering my inquiries (that made a big difference and I felt welcomed even before I was a part of CHYS!). That led me to enrolling in the program. Our professors are knowledgeable and encouraging as well. They have made the learning experience engaging, I especially loved the project -based learning outcomes that are part of some of the courses (such as writing children’s book or working on a project one is passionate about). Finally, the friends I have made through the program.. we were there for each other when times were stressful or otherwise.

Question 2: What led you to becoming a part of the Childhood and Youth Studies program?

There is no simple answer to this. My educational path has been anything but straight-forward. I think I was curious about the courses offered in the program and my previous work with children. AND shout out to Georgina who made me feel welcomed!

Question 3: What helped you to be so successful and receive these awards?

Success is very subjective. I was not setting out to win the award, I didn’t even know it was there. For me success was measured as going from one point to the other having gained some skills as a bonus! Throughout my time at ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´, I appreciated having had opportunities in which students can learn from and contribute, such as research or volunteer etc.

Question 4: What advice would you give to future students who would like to receive the Provost Scholar Award and the Peter J. Ricketts Award?

My advice for students is to set goals for themselves and reaching those goals. I encourage students to reach out to their professors and seek opportunities, advice etc. It is also equally important to be curious about things that deeply resonate with you (learn about that, ask questions, write it, share it).

Question 5: What are your future plans?

For the future, I plan on pursuing graduate work in critical studies and write children’s books.

Thank you so much Hikmet! We at the IIS wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

For more information on the Provost Scholar Award Recipients: /provost/2021/provost-scholar-awards-announced/

Provost Scholar and Peter J. Ricketts Award Winner Hikmet Mawi