Timothy Shah

Toronto, Ontario
Environmental & Resource Studies and Human Geography

“Trent has been such a meaningful and fulfilling experience. It’s been a remarkable journey since day one,” says Timothy Shah, an Environmental & Resource Studies and Human Geography graduate.

Describing himself as a collaborator, Timothy made a point of getting involved during his time at Trent. Timothy partnered with a fellow student and his good friend, Chris Ferguson-Martin, who started an online environmental blog at www.enviroboys.com. With his passion for the environment, he also found a home as a member of Sustainable Trent, a student-run organization committed to working towards campus sustainability. In addition, Timothy participated in intramural sports and was a financial officer for the Student Refugee Program through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).

The role that perhaps impacted and influenced Timothy the most, however, was don of the Trent Global Living Community, a living-learning community within Trent’s Champlain College. Building and being part of that community influenced Timothy in ways he didn’t expect. “It wasn’t only a residential space, but a place that allowed for social, intellectual and personal growth. Many memories have been created and I happy that I took part in such a fulfilling and meaningful experience,” he says.

For his outstanding leadership and commitment, Timothy has been presented with numerous awards and honours, including the 2009 Donning Programmer of the Year Award, the Trent International Program (TIP) Staff Award, given to a Canadian student who contributes significantly to the international community, and the Leonard Conolly Award for involvement in WUSC.

“When I think of Trent and clubs and groups, I think of multiplicity of choice,” he says. “There are so many ways to get involved at the university. It’s been an incredible experience.”

When talking about the global-theme of his campus involvements, Timothy adds, ““I am a Canadian student interested in building a more diverse and respectful community. Being involved has allowed me to work with other like-minded students to help make the Trent community more aware of the global community and the merits of multicultural diversity and global citizenship.

“This idea of ‘community’ will travel with me for the rest of my life,” he says. “My time at Trent has illustrated the importance of being part of a community, learning and living in harmony with others. Life should be about creating vibrant communities where each individual is respected equally. Thank you, Trent University, for fostering such a critical part of my personal development.”

This summer, Timothy will travel to Hong Kong for a prestigious internship opportunity sponsored by international alumnus and world renowned property developer Justin Chiu. While living in Hong Kong, Timothy will work with Cheung Kong Holdings, one of the largest developers of residential, office, retail, industrial, and hotel property in the country. This incredible opportunity will position Timothy well for his dream job as a professional community planner. In the fall, he will begin a masters in planning.