In honour of Mental Health Week, we’re introducing you to Heather Ritz, community social worker with the ACCESS Community Social Work Team. Spend a few minutes getting to know her a little better.
What is your first U of A memory?
My dad did his law degree at the U of A. I have childhood memories of spending time with him in Weir Law Library as he did his research.
What’s something your coworkers don’t know about you?
In my 20s I worked for an international community development organization that gave me the opportunity to travel. I lived in England and Australia. I also got to take in most World Cup/Olympics/Commonwealth Games that took place between 2004 and 2010 as a part of this work.
What’s your favourite distraction?
Going for a walk in the ravine with my dog or cooking a new recipe.
If you were enrolling in one course, program or degree right now, what would it be?
I just finished my master’s of social work and have had enough of computers and writing papers for the time being. If I were to enroll in a program right now, I would want to do something more hands-on. Massage therapy comes to mind, as does learning how to do some basic woodworking or dance lessons (maybe after COVID!).
What’s a weird pet peeve you have?
I love chips but I don’t like the sound of chips being eaten loudly. I’m a firm believer in the whole chip being in your mouth with your lips sealed before you start chewing.
You can invite anyone — alive or dead, real or fictional — to dinner. Who would it be?
My mom’s family is from Norway — both sets of my maternal great grandparents immigrated to North America and then started a family. Despite being of Norwegian descent, I didn’t grow up with much of the culture or language. I would love to have dinner with my great grandparents. I would want to learn about their decisions to immigrate, what Norway was like at the time and the Norwegian traditions that were not passed on to our family.
If you could see any live performance tomorrow, what would it be?
My dad and I were making plans to see Nick Cave play in Vancouver but that was cancelled due to COVID. Seeing that show live with my dad would certainly be top of the list because we haven’t done a trip with just the two of us — and the album Nick Cave was going to tour with has been meaningful to both me and my dad.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
“Take a year off of school and try experiences that are difficult to do once you are in school or working.” I would tell myself to do this through SALTS (The Sail and Life Training Society). I have always wanted to learn how to sail and to spend time on the open ocean.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Friends and family! And my water bottle. It comes with me everywhere. I’m also inclined to include my espresso machine (a COVID purchase!). My morning flat white break brings me a fair bit of joy as I work from home.
What three words describe your U of A experience?
Meaningful. Inspiring. Amazing (people).
What’s your favourite piece of mental health advice?
I continually remind myself that caring for my mental health is a process of getting to know myself. When I go through something challenging, I learn more about myself and the resources available within and outside of myself. When I’m experiencing a mental health challenge, I like to remember that I am not alone and that I have people I can ask for help.
Believing I can turn to others for help also motivates my community mental health work on campus. I want to contribute to a safe and non-judgmental campus culture where we all know we have people we can turn to when we are struggling.
About Heather