Rachel Allison’08, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Whitby, ON

Ms. Rachel Allison entered Trent after being rewarded with a scholarship that recognized her outstanding marks in high school.  Following graduation from the Psychology program she plans to attend college to study addiction counselling.  As her interest in psychology grew while at Trent she was also drawn to other areas such as Women’s Studies.

Rachel also discovered the value of volunteerism. She found her time as a volunteer with Trent in Oshawa Community Outreach (TOCO) to be very rewarding.  Through the organization Rachel helped to raise funds for Simcoe Hall Settlement House.

Regarding her experience at Trent, Rachel says, “I’m so glad I chose Trent University Oshawa as my university to get my education.  I’ve enjoyed all four years at Trent and would recommend Trent to anyone who wants friendly experiences with their professors, kind classmates and a welcoming environment.”

What are you future goals?
I plan to attend a college in September for Addiction Counselling.

What will you do with your Trent degree?
I want to become an addiction counsellor.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
Our small campus! It’s great to go to school and recognize familiar faces.  Trent is very welcoming. Everyone is friendly and tries to help one another out.

Have you changed since you came to Trent? How?
I think so!  I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and grown as a person. I’ve also realized the importance of volunteering.

How did your interest develop during your time at Trent?
My interest in psychology started in high school as I took a basic introductory psychology class. In my first year at Trent I took a psychology class and really enjoyed it.  I took more psychology classes at Trent Oshawa and realized I liked social psychology classes the most.  I also took a variety of other classes from anthropology to film, however Women’s Studies has been a great interest of mine as well.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
Since Trent is a smaller campus, relationships with professors, peers and staff are all very friendly and helpful.

Research Interests / Area of Study:
Area of study: Psychology

Extracurricular activities:
TOCO!  Trent in Oshawa Community Outreach had a huge impact on my life.   I really enjoyed being a member of this club as well as being the president. TOCO has run a lot of fun events through the years and raised lots of money for Simcoe Hall Settlement House.  I personally found it very rewarding to be a part of the TOCO club.  I think the more you put into Trent the more you’ll get out of it!

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent Entrance Scholarship (2008)