“I am a lifelong CBC listener and passionate about radio. I believe it is a powerful tool that connects people and gives voice to interesting people who have important things to share with Canada,” said Aiden McRae, a new graduate of the English Literature program at Trent University, and this year’s Trent recipient of the prestigious CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Internship.

The sought-after internship is offered each year to students at four universities across the country, including Trent. Students are selected to complete placements in CBC offices across the country from May to August every year where they will have the opportunity to learn how to create great radio.

Ms. McRae is no stranger to radio, getting her start on air at Trent Radio where she launched a show called “Trans-Canada Radio” with a friend and the help of Dr. Stephen Brown, a faculty member in the department of English. Always passionate about the magic of radio and its potential to connect people, she explored culture, ideas, music, and grew her own voice.

After her first visit to Trent University as a high school student, Ms. McRae says, “I fell in love with the campus. I felt at home. I visited the Gathering Space and immediately felt this was a special place to learn. I also visited the Seasoned Spoon and I was sold by the food and the atmosphere. I knew I wanted to belong to a cozy school community that cares deeply about its students as much as it does about learning, and about the world around us. “

It was at Trent that she built relationships that enriched her life, not only with peers, but with mentors, community members, and with knowledge.

“I was never bored because there was always somewhere to be… a talk, a book reading, a performance, a screening. Best of all, there were plenty of feasts that brought people together. Learning happens everywhere at Trent, not just in the classroom.”

The internship has already had a profound effect on her. “I am so pleased to be putting my skills to work at CBC already. So long as I am actively working to make life in Canada better, I am happy.”

At some point soon, Ms. McRae is hoping to get on the road and see more of Canada, but for now, she says she’s happy to be learning about radio at the CBC, saying “To work in the same building as so many talented people is a great honour.”

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