Bridget Vickers

Barrie, Ontario
Concurrent Education, Environmental Studies & International Development Studies

When asked about her experiences as a Trent student, Bridget Vickers’ enthusiasm is clear. “I’m leaving Trent knowing I have amazing friends, a strong sense of who I am, the confidence to follow my dreams, knowledge from multiple disciplines and perspectives, and a desire to travel and learn more,” says the new graduate of the Trent-Queen’s Concurrent Education Program.

“Trent has shaped who I am today,” she says. “It offered me an environment to grow and develop my ideas and opinions. It has given me the opportunity to pursue my passions and pushed me outside my comfort zone to experience new and exciting adventures. Trent opened my mind to new ideas and people and helped me develop numerous new skills. It has encouraged me to think critically and helped me gain a clearer understanding of the information around me.”

When Bridget decided to come to Trent from her hometown of Barrie, Ontario, she was struck by the size of the school and the campus. “Small class sizes provided me with what I believe is a more unique, personable and rich learning environment,” she says. She also explains that she fell in love with the campus, particularly the natural environment and uniqueness of Trent’s architecture. “After visiting campuses with little natural green space, located in the middle of the city and without much character, Trent stood out,” she says.

Over the past four years, Bridget has used her time at Trent well. She has participated in numerous sports, including inner tube water polo, soccer, synchronized swimming, rock climbing and ultimate Frisbee. And in her third year she studied at the University of Prince Edward Island as part of the Go National Program, a remarkable opportunity for Canadian students to study at any university in the country. To assist with her exchange, Trent provided Bridget with a travel bursary on the condition that she maintained on online journal highlighting her experience.

According to Bridget, her Trent education has left a lasting impact, influencing her passion for environmental issues, politics, gender and various social issues, international relations, and the state of our current food system.

In June, Bridget will receive a joint degree in Environmental Studies and International Development Students. Her next adventure begins in Kingston, Ontario where she will complete her Bachelor of Education. She hopes to teach in the Northwest Territories, before journeying abroad to teach around the world. One day she would like to settle on Canada’s east coast.