Emzhei Chen

Scarborough, Ontario
School of Education & Professional Learning

“At Trent I’ve had the chance to grow away from home,” says Emzhei Chen, one of the newest graduates of Trent’s School of Education & Professional Learning.  

A first generation student, Emzhei, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, is the first in her family to attend university.

“My parents were unable to attend university due to familial circumstances, but they instilled the importance of education in my sisters and me,” she explains. “When I entered university five years ago, I knew that I was taking a step no one before me had, and I wanted to be a role model to my sisters and show them that anything is possible.”

Looking back on the year she has spent at Trent, Emzhei recognizes the value of her experiences here. “Trent offers an education program that places emphasis on experience in classroom settings. You also have the chance to learn at a beautiful nature-based campus, while still being close to large cities,” she says. “My favourite memories include in-depth conversations in class, coffee breaks with classmates, and enjoying dinner out on the town in Peterborough’s many restaurants.”

Post-graduation, Emzhei will put her first-hand experiences as a first generation student to the test as she pursues a master’s degree, exploring in more depth the challenges this group of students, and new immigrant students, face.

“A wealth of talent lies within students who, like me, had no guides to university and do not know where to turn,” she explains. “Students who are new to the country and who have a different sense of what university is are also in the same pool. Programs and services should be developed and utilized to help these students experience and enhance on-campus life and community initiatives.”

Along with her goal to pursue graduate work, Emzhei is looking forward to starting a career in education. “In five years, I hope I’m in a career where I’m serving others. This may be as a teacher, a college administrator, working in student life, or taking part in the Public Service of Ontario,” she says. “I want to make a difference by establishing programs and services that help people in their daily lives and I’m looking forward to using my talents and abilities in order to see smiling, satisfied faces.”