Carly Schmidt

Conestogo, Ontario
English Literature

Looking back on her time as a Trent student, Carly Schmidt says that one of her favourite experiences was undertaking a job that others may not have enjoyed.

“One of my tasks working for the English Literature Department office was to reorganize a professor’s entire office library – a thoroughly enjoyable experience,” she says. “I’ll always remember it as one of the highlights of my final year at Trent. My job was to touch and arrange beautiful old books – it definitely sets the bar high for my next place of employment.”

Carly’s love of books is intense. She collects antique books and old editions, working towards an impressive library of her own. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that she graduated from Trent with a degree in English Literature and that she will start her Masters degree in English in the fall.

The Conestogo, Ontario native plans to pursue an interest in classical literature as a graduate student. She is interested in studying comparisons between classical Greaco-Roman literature and Romantic literature, what she describes as “an interdisciplinary study that will allow me to incorporate my backgrounds in Latin and Greek with my particular focus in English.”

As Carly speaks of her four years at Trent, it becomes clear that she is as passionate about education and learning as she is her chosen field of study. “I see myself as artistic, but also a perfectionist,” she says. “This helps me keep a balance between chaos and order. From this tension develops my love for language. Language also achieves balance by following rules while simultaneously creating its own.”

Her dedication to learning has been recognized a number of times with both academic and financial awards. She received two Trent In-Course Bursary awards for achieving an average exceeding 85 percent, as well as the Sylvia Cherney Scholarship and the Department of English Literature Scholarship, awarded to the best student entering the fourth year of the honours program. A proud member of Otonabee College, she also received the Otonabee College Prize, awarded to the fourth year student with the best academic performance over the previous three year period.

“I’m very appreciative for all of these awards, not only for the benefit of financial assistance but also because of the confidence that comes with having the support of my school and department as I go forward in my studies,” says Carly.

Commenting on her Trent experience, Carly says: “I’m happy to know the education I received is unique in every way. It is with my wealth of experiences at Trent in mind that I embrace whatever comes next. I will never forget the fundamental contributions of Trent and its faculty to my ongoing education.”