Allison Smith ’12, B.B.A. Honours, Business Administration and Accounting, Ottawa, Ontario

Allison Smith was looking for a practical degree that could help her with her goal of pursuing a Chartered Professional Accountant certification.  She found that, and more, at Trent. She also discovered a vehicle to share her affinity for accounting with current and future students. As a founding member and vice-president of external relations of the Trent Accounting Society, she implemented a free tax clinic as part of a Legacy Project, a component of the ADMN-4101H Thinking About Management course.

“Being involved helped me to appreciate the opportunities that have been available throughout my time at Trent. These opportunities will open extremely valuable professional and academic doors once you finish your education. I also think that taking Business at Trent University offers the best of both worlds. The practical benefits of a business degree are delivered in a liberal arts framework, which helps us to learn how to think critically, while incorporating multiple perspectives.”

What’s Next: Ms. Smith will begin working full-time for a local accounting firm after travelling to Central America this summer.

Stanley (Bobby) Henry '12, B.A. Indigenous Studies and History Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

Bobby Henry enrolled at Trent through the Foundations of Indigenous Learning Program. Fascinated with the Indigenous Studies program and its close connection with Trent’s History program, he soon changed paths to undertake an honours joint major B.A. degree.

“Since Trent University has a long history of teaching Indigenous Studies, I feel the education I’ve received couldn’t be offered by another university. My hope is to make a difference in society by teaching what I learned at Trent to others.”

What’s Next: Mr. Henry plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education this fall before enrolling into a graduate studies program. His dream is to work in an Indigenous community in education to help future generations of Indigenous children reach their full potential.

Stanley Henry's Testimonial

Emily Olmstead '12, B.Sc. Honours, Environmental and Resource Science, Foresters Falls, Ontario

“The more I thought about my love of nature and the plants that live in the ecosystems around me, the more I thought about the damage people cause to them, and how they need to be protected. That’s when I learned about the Environmental & Resource Science program at Trent. I thought it fit perfectly with my desires to learn about ecosystems and also how to protect them.”

Throughout her studies Ms. Olmstead took every opportunity to understand the problems facing the environment.  She collected benthic invertebrates from Jackson Creek, presented at international conferences on climate change and acid rain, and studied moss in Ireland as part of a European-wide atmospheric pollution survey. She feels these experiences, combined with her professors at Trent, are inspiring the next generation of scientists.

What’s Next: In September, she will pursue a master’s degree at Trent in the Environmental and Life Science program at Trent. Through her graduate work she hopes to increase awareness and assess the impact of industrial processes and policies surrounding the environment.

Gabriela Sheinin '12, B.Sc. Honours, Psychology
Peterborough, Ontario

Gabriela Sheinin’s interest in Psychology developed through her volunteer work at Kinark Child and Family Services and the Peterborough Regional Hospital. At Trent, her passion for the topic grew as she expanded her knowledge through extensive study, hands-on research, and real-world experience – working with Dr. Gillian Balfour on her study of the incarceration of women, and completing several emotional intelligence projects with Dr. James Parker.

“The many Psychology courses I have taken at Trent gave me a broad knowledge base in many areas. The training and direction I received under Professor Parker’s supervision has prepared me for any new challenges in my graduate studies. Professor Balfour’s work has given me insight into problems of social justice that I hope to carry into my future work as a clinical psychologist.”

What’s Next: In September 2016, Ms. Sheinin will begin graduate work in Clinical Psychology. As a clinical psychologist, she hopes to make a difference in the lives of the young children.

Gabriela Sheinin's Testimonial

� Download Transcript

Jade Huguenin ‘14, M.A., Canadian Studies and Indigenious Studies, Penetanguishene, Ontario

At Trent, Jade Huguenin received several graduate scholarships, helping her focus on her research, a community-based project in her hometown of Penetanguishene, exploring how Metis cultural values and beliefs informed community development. Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of Trent, she credits faculty and staff for enabling her to thrive in her educational environment.

“Trent University and the Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies M.A. program was exactly what I was looking for. As a Métis person, I have strived to advance my cultural identity through my education. Trent’s program provided me with the best foundation and opportunities to further grow and understand my sense of Métis identity.”

What’s Next: Ms. Huguenin is now working full-time as a researcher at the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. She is passionate about the opportunities she has to work with, and support, urban Indigenous communities across Ontario.

Kathleen (Grace) MacDonald '12, B.A. Honours, English Literature and History, Kingston, Ontario

Trent University fuelled Grace MacDonald’s love of reading, literature, and her interest in critical theory and the English Literature program encouraged her to think differently about the world, and study literature and history through new theoretical lenses.

“I was challenged by great faculty to think critically and engage with the material. I had a number of very supportive experiences with faculty and appreciated how small-group learning allowed me to connect with, and learn from my peers. I look at the people who I will be graduating with and I feel so proud of who we’ve all become.”

What’s Next: Awarded scholarships and funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, Ms. MacDonald will be pursuing a master’s degree in English Literature in Halifax, studying the interrelation of trauma theory, globalization theory, and the idea of hyperreality in post-modern fiction.

Chika Kelechi Osahor '12, B.Sc. Nusing - Compressed Program, Lagos, Nigeria    

Kelechi Osahor describes nursing as a natural niche for her. She chose the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) for its small size, and reputation as one of the best Nursing programs in Canada. Upon arriving, she also discovered a supportive environment that gave her opportunities to take risks, and unleash her potential.  Outside of the classroom, Ms. Osahor put her nursing and community-building skills to work, completing a third-year placement with Friends of Honduran Children, a Peterborough-based not-for-profit. She also spearheaded the Nursing buddy program to aid first-year students in adjusting to university.  

“Being at the TFSON, among instructors that value the profession as highly as I do, helped me realize how lucky I am. I pursued dreams at Trent that I didn’t even know I had until I was presented with the opportunity to realize them. Because of this, I feel ready for whatever life throws at me next.”

Matthew (Mo) Cranker '12, Trent-Loyalist Journalism Program, Mississauga, Ontario

Mo Cranker’s interest in journalism and story-telling grew during high school and his love for history became apparent there too. The Trent-Loyalist Journalism Program gave him the opportunity and freedom to nurture both of his passions. He describes the four years since as “fantastic,” providing him with confidence as he ventures into the work force. In his final year, Mr. Cranker completed his capstone project, a blog devoted to examining the role journalism had in shaping history regarding the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal. The blog also studies today’s impact of journalistic content in society.

“The mixture of university and college within the Trent-Loyalist partnership really intrigued me and I went for it. Learning how to be a scholar alongside the practical skills that I can apply in the workforce has been amazing.  My interest in History developed a lot at Trent while the two years at Loyalist allowed me to build a strong portfolio of journalist work which will be vital to my career after post-secondary education.”

What’s Next: Mr. Cranker says: “Journalism can take you to many places and I may end up living and travelling all over the world in my field.”

Shegufa Shetranjiwalla-Merchant '11, Integrated Ph.D., Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program
Peterborough, Ontario

Experienced as a biomaterials researcher in Kuwait, Shegufa Shetranjiwalla-Merchant was drawn to Trent University’s world-class expertise and facilities to complete her Ph.D. after migrating to Canada.  Steadfast in the belief that a sustainable future is a powerful alternative to a petroleum-dependent lifestyle, Ms. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant is discovering high performance, renewable alternatives that reduce the carbon footprint of polymers and plastics found in everyday products. Eager for her learning and research to have real-life significance, her commercially viable and industry-collaborative work has garnered three patents.

“It is only because of Trent University that I feel accomplished as a scientist. The skills that I have gained as a researcher and teaching assistant have made me evolve not only as a critical scientist, but also as a communicator, and professional. Trent University encourages multidisciplinary and collaborative research which is the cornerstone for a value-added body of knowledge.”

What’s Next: Ms. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant is currently working in a post-doctoral capacity with Chemistry professor Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil's research group with the Inorganic Materials Research Laboratory at Trent University. Through mentorship she hopes to transfer her skills to other young researchers. 

Bilie Clarke '12, B.A. Honours English Litreature Program, Beaverton, Ontario  

“One of the big things that Trent has demonstrated for me, is that for most people, careers are non-linear.  People can earn one degree and end up in a completely different field, enjoying everything they do.  Knowing I’m graduating with an English degree and don’t have to do something stereotypical with it, was an important lesson, and a liberating one.  This knowledge will continue to impact how I think about my future.”

As an English Literature graduate from Trent University Durham, Billie Clarke loves linguistics.  Studying abroad in third year at Swansea University, fueled her passion even more. Ms. Clarke was recently awarded the Alumni Recognition Award in honour of her extensive contribution to the Durham campus through countless initiatives including, the Trent English Student Association of Oshawa, the Peer and Academic Mentoring program, and the Trent Oshawa Theatre Association.

What’s Next:  Ms. Clarke will return to Trent University Durham to pursue a postgraduate certificate in Human Resource Management.  In the future she would like to travel, achieve a master’s in Linguistics, and teach English overseas.

Bilie Clarke's Testimonial

� Download Transcript

Aiden McRae'12, B.A. Honours, English Literature, Glen Nevis, Ontario

Aiden McRae’s academic career reflects her love of the earth and Canadian Literature.  Learning within the Indigenous Environmental Studies program influenced her approach to writing about the land and its stories.  Meanwhile, the English Literature program sharpened her written skills. She carried on the ancient tradition of storytelling at Trent Radio with “Trans-Canada Radio,” a program she and her friend launched with the help of Dr. Stephen Brown. Always passionate about the magic of radio and its potential to connect people, she explored culture, ideas, music, and grew her own voice.

“For me, fiction holds endless potential to open our eyes. Not only is it a pleasure to enter a new world, but I grow every time I read someone’s creative craft. Reading Canadian fiction has always been a way for me to connect with the land and the people of Canada. I visit new cultures and voices every time I read writers from around the world. Trent’s English department hosts superb conversations that reach deep into the world of writing and reading.”

What’s Next:  Ms. McRae feels very lucky to be the Peter Gzowski Intern this summer at CBC Radio in Toronto.  Interested in sharing people’s stories, this internship is a dream come true for her. She’s also ready to travel throughout Canada and beyond.

Aiden McRae's Testimonial

� Download Transcript

Brooklyn Vercuyssen'12, B.A., History, Queen's- Trent Concurrent Education Program, Goderich, Ontario

Brooklyn Vercruyssen loved every second of her History and English Literature learning experiences in the Queen’s-Trent Concurrent Education program. As a member of Trent’s Pen Pal program she honed her teaching skills through regular correspondence and meetings with a grade three student.

“Being an aspiring teacher makes me want to inspire high school students to render a love and passion for history. I want to teach students the difference of knowing history and thinking about history. More importantly, I want to encourage them to think outside the box and feel confident in their own opinions and thought process, just as Trent did for me.”

What’s Next: Ms. Vercruyssen hopes to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. following completion of her Bachelor of Education degree.

Maria Carruthers '12- Symons Medal Winner B.B.A. Business Administration, Specialization in Accounting, Minor in Psychology, Warkworth, Ontario

Symons Medal Winner

From Latin to Financial Management, Maria Carruthers succeeds in all subjects, no matter where her diverse interests take her. Once Trent University introduced the Accounting Specialization, this student leader knew she wanted to work toward her CPA following graduation. She considers her role facilitating a Free Tax Clinic while at Trent, as a favourite experience and rewarding culmination of her professional skills.

“I feel that my degree has given me many opportunities to make a difference in the world. Trent has given me a unique perspective that is both socially aware and community focused. I hope to make a difference by going out into the community with the knowledge I have gained here at Trent. I intend to continue the pursuit of knowledge and the life-long process of learning.”

What’s Next: After marrying this August, Ms. Carruthers will move to Ireland. She is looking forward to beginning her career abroad, whether pursuing her CPA in Ireland, or seeking a new direction entirely.

Paulina Marcelo'12, Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Growing up in a family of medical professionals in Dubai, Pauline Marcelo developed a love of biology and chemistry. At the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON), she found a multi-disciplinary environment to help nurture these interests. Ms. Marcelo gained practical experience through community and hospital placements, including through a second-year nursing placement in Honduras. Embracing the diverse and welcoming culture at Trent University, Ms. Marcelo got involved with many groups and initiatives, from being an international ambassador and member of the UNICEF Trent executive team to co-facilitated a youth involvement workshop with the Seeds for Justice Collective through the Kawartha World Issues Centre at the People’s Social Forum in Ottawa.

“The placements in the Nursing program enabled me to develop my clinical skills, and also gave me a chance to build relationships with patients, families, various healthcare professionals, and other nurses.  I looked forward to each semester knowing I would be in a new clinical setting with new people to learn from. I would also like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the first and biggest family I have in Canada, the Trent International Program.”

What’s Next:  Ms. Marcelo plabs to secure a nursing position and hopes to bring her skills ub health promotion to people in developing countries while travelling.

Duane Rousselle '11 Ph.D., Cultural Studies, Miramichi, New Brunswick

The Governor General of Canada Gold Medal

“My program offered a research-focused education structured around an interdisciplinary vision of knowledge production. The Governor General of Canada Gold Medal confirmed for me that my research at Trent was appreciated and valued. My dissertation was accepted for publication with a prestigious academic press, and my research appeared in numerous popular journals in the field. I believe that I would not have been capable of publishing and researching with such intensity had I made any other choice of university.”

Trent University’s Cultural Studies program deepened Duane Rousselle’s commitment to Sociology and traditional qualitative methods. It also added a critical edge to it. Dr. Rousselle’s research projects, including his study of continental philosophy were fuelled by a provocative and engaging scholarly atmosphere and sophisticated methodologies.  

What’s Next: Dr. Rousselle hopes to work as a professor and demonstrate to students the value of an interdisciplinary framework.

Emily Smith'12, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences, Enviromental and Resource Studies and International Development Studies Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

At Trent University, Emily Smith found she didn’t have to confine her academic degree to one discipline.  Combing courses from International Development Studies with Environmental and Resource Studies, Ms. Smith incorporated her love of biology into a context of real world issues like climate change. At Trent, she participated in many groups and activities, and in her fourth-year, she co-hosted Trans-Canada Radio, a weekly show that takes listeners on a cross-Canada exploration of art, literature, music, history, and current events, as part of an English practicum course.

“Becoming involved in the Trent and Nogojiwanong/Peterborough communities gave depth and meaning to my time here. I want to find ways to incorporate environmental and social justice into my everyday life and work in a way that is meaningful. I will hold on to the notion of the ‘political responsibility of hope’ and seek out ways to support the people that are already making a difference.”

What’s Next: Ms. Smith is planning to apply her Trent education on a global scale as she travels around Iceland, Scotland and Ireland before returning to her hometown and planning for graduate school

Jenna Pilgrim'12, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing & Consumer Culture Specialization, Peterborough, ON

“My Trent degree allowed me to think beyond borders, be an aware citizen, and never be afraid to think big. Trent provides an incubator for innovation, where creativity and collaborative thought flourish. Moving into the world now, I face challenges knowing that I have the mindset to overcome them with the skills Trent has given me.”

Jenna Pilgrim is a Business Administration graduate with an avid interest in Trent’s mid-century modernist architecture style. So much so, it inspired her thesis on Modern Architecture and the Canadian Landscape – the first independent research project of its kind done by a Business major. While at Trent, Ms. Pilgrim took the liberty to nurture her creative spirit as an actor, singer, philanthropist, community builder and varsity rower. As philanthropy coordinator for the Rowing Club, she facilitated the raising of over $10,000 in contributions to the local community through various fundraising efforts. In recognition of her diverse efforts, Ms. Pilgrim was recently awarded one of the Alumni Association's highest student honours, the David Glassco Prize. She was deeply touched to receive this award, named after a family friend.

What’s Next: Ms. Pilgrim is currently working as the publicist for Dr. Don Tapscott, chancellor of Trent University, promoting his latest book, Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin is Changing Money, Business, and the World, co-authored with Alex Tapscott. For the past three months, Ms. Pilgrim has been co-planning and travelling on a 10-city book tour around North America to promote the Globe and Mail Bestseller.

Jenna Pilgrim's Testimonial

� Download Transcript