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 Yan Peng
Reflecting on her choice of academic program, Economics and Business Administration graduate and international student Yan Peng says, “Dynamism attracted me to Economics and Finance. The realization that I could employ it to revitalize China’s financial and banking industries transformed my interest into passion.” A native of Guizhou, China, Yan brought her passion to make a difference in the world to Trent four years ago. As a new graduate, she explains that her goals to reduce poverty and encourage corporate social responsibility extend beyond the walls of the classroom. “My undergraduate education at Trent equipped me with a solid foundation in this field but I yearn to apply theory and sophisticated methodology to troubling issues,” she says, explaining how she is inspired by the wisdom of the Chinese adage: ‘Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach him to fish and he will never go hungry.’ “I have gradually understood that only by engaging constructive, creative ideas and professional methodologies can we guide people to develop products according to their own strengths and meet the market demands of their communities. Only when the poor are equipped with necessary knowledge and skills can poverty reduction be realized,” she explains. “If I am to meaningfully help and support the poor, an altruistic dream and occasional monetary donations will not suffice.” As a new Trent graduate, Yan leaves the University with a wealth of knowledge, experience, still set on her path to make her mark on the world. Reflecting on her time at Trent, she says fondly, “Colleagues and professors recognized my diligence and enthusiasm. Without their encouragement and support I would not have been able to achieve what I have. I leave Trent with not just a degree, but also experiences and achievements I can treasure life-long.” With a record of outstanding academic achievement, Yan also leaves Trent as one of the 2010 recipients of the Symons Medal. In the fall, she will begin graduate work in the UK. |
Guizhou, China