Andy Cragg '09 M.A. Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies, Peterborough ON

M.A. graduate in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Mr. Andy Cragg gained confidence in expressing his views and in public speaking during his time at Trent University. He is committed to his research regarding the treatment of immigrants and national policy infrastructures. By observing and researching the changes, during his own lifetime, in a variety of public institutions, he has gained a broad knowledge of how Canada’s political/economic environment has changed over the years.

What did you get out of your Trent degree?
My interest in Canadian immigration policy and more broadly in the experiences of migrants in Canada stems from my own travels in other countries, principally in Mexico and Honduras where I lived for nine months cumulatively. Having been received and treated very well while living abroad I became interested in how Canada does and does not reciprocate this kind welcoming attitude towards foreigners.

My interest in political economy stems from trying to understand the political and economic context of the time period I have grown up in, a period characterized by constant cut-backs and rolling back of the public realm and the value of the public good. I was fascinated by the thought that at earlier times in Canada it was politically, economically and socially possible to create broad public institutions like public health care and the Canada Pension Plan. I wanted to understand how the political economic context of Canada changed so drastically.

I am satisfied to reflect that these driving questions that I had when coming to Trent, I have largely been able to find answers to, or at least I have been able to better articulate and understand them.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
I enjoyed supportive relationships with a number of faculty members at Trent…Certainly the combination of the small size of the Frost Centre and the high level of academic and intellectual rigueur of the program.

Extracurricular activities:
I was a member of a number of committees at Trent, and these experiences were great learning experiences for me, especially in gaining confidence in expressing my opinions to people in positions of greater influence. Participating in committees, and the University Senate especially, gave me important insights into how Trent, as an institution, functions.

Also, I have been active in my union since coming to Trent, which was a new and valuable experience for me.

Being a teaching assistant has been an invaluable experience as well as it allowed me to gain teaching experience and to interact with undergraduate students.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
I received a number of bursaries while at Trent, usually amounting to $500 - $1000 per term. Receiving these awards made a significant difference in support of my ability to focus on my studies rather than having to seek extra employment income.