Cassandra Chalmers ’08, Honours Bachelor of Arts, History, Courtice, ON

“The personal growth I have experienced since starting university has been immense.”

Ms. Chalmers’ involvement in the Peer Mentoring program and her role as the Special Events and Tour Coordinator proved very rewarding as she received the Trent University Citizenship Award from Trent Oshawa in 2012.  She feels that university was a wonderful, supportive experience where she also learned leadership and personal growth.

What are you future goals?
I plan on going to teacher’s college at UOIT.

Why did you choose Trent?
In high school I developed a love of history. I decided to pursue world history at university.  My time studying history at Trent was a wonderful experience.   The history professors were great, they were exciting and engaging. They let you work and discover the material in new and interesting ways through creative assignments and lessons.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent? How have you changed since coming to Trent?
The best thing about studying at Trent Oshawa is the small class size and tight-knit community. The students and staff are there for one another, they are supportive and friendly. It was a great place to learn and grow. I will always be pleased with my decision to go to Trent in Oshawa.  It was the right choice for my life, my personality and my education.

In my first year I was shy, it was not until I joined the Peer Mentoring Program that I came out of my shell and made some friends and had the confidence to pursue opportunities on campus like running and organizing campus tours.

Participating in campus activities brought out my natural-born leadership skills, and gave me the confidence to show them off.  I feel prepared for my next step in life which is teacher’s college.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
The professors at Trent Oshawa are wonderful educators. They each have extensive knowledge of their field. They are always there to support and engage students. All the professors at Trent are wonderful. Laurie Jacklin provided so much support to my learning style and provided students with so many opportunities to improve and better their skills as students and confident individuals.

As the faculty advisor for the Black History Event Committee, Laurie encourages students speak up for themselves, reach out and not be afraid to be community leaders.

Professor Jennine Hurl- Eamon provided me with such a glowing reference letter for teachers college. She spoke about all my wonderful qualities as a student and potential educator. She spoke about how I realize that being a teacher is all about hard work and commitment. I was so grateful that she believed in me so much. Overall, the professors in Oshawa are wonderful assets to Trent.  They are there for the students in every way possible.

Interests and passions:
My study interests include History of Caribbean Slavery and European History.

Extracurricular activities:
I have been an active member of the Trent Peer Mentoring Program in the Oshawa community for five years.  The program provides students with an opportunity be active in the community. I also volunteered for student-organized events including open houses and campus previews.

The personal growth I have experienced since starting university has been immense. With the support of the wonderful Trent staff my grades and my academic confidence improved. So much so that I was able to provide support to a second year history student whom I instilled confidence so he would believe in his academic ability.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent University Citizenship Award (2012)