Qingyao Chen ’09, Bachelor of Science, Economics, Shanghai, China

“The city of Peterborough is such a nice place to study.”

Mr. Qingyao Chen is the recipient of the 2013 Bagnani Medal. It is awarded to students in the General program who achieve high overall standing on graduation.  Qingyao wants to make a world of difference with his degree in economics by becoming an entrepreneur in international trade in his home country of China. After graduation he will travel throughout Canada before returning to China.

He feels that Peterborough is a perfect place for international students to learn a new language. Mr. Chen said, “Trent is definitely my second home and I am proud of being a Trent student.”

Qingyao has received several awards and a scholarship. He has made the Dean’s Honour Roll every year at Trent.  He feels it is an honour to receive these awards because it is an affirmation of his countless hours of dedicated study and it encouraged him to achieve his future goals.

How will you make a difference with your Trent degree?
Learning makes a world of difference.  Knowledge is definitely the key factor to develop our world. The main task for our students at university is to learn knowledge, and our final goal is use what we have learned at school to make our world more beautiful.

What are you future goals?
First, I may spend several months to travel within Canada and then I will start hunting for jobs in my own country. I believe the knowledge I have learned at Trent will be my best advantage.

What will you do with your Trent degree?
I would like to be a professional entrepreneur in the field of international trade.

What did you get out of your Trent degree?
I really appreciate all of the professors in the economic department. They influence me and make me realize the power of the economics discipline. I also found a lot of interesting subjects in this area. I believe that knowing the subject of economics is one of the key factors to develop our world.

After four years of university life at Trent I have become more diligent and more hardworking. I have found my academic potential for the subject of economics.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
The amiable and excellent professors at Trent are the greatest wealth for our students. Smaller-sized universities like Trent bring students and professors closer to each other.  The city of Peterborough is such a nice place to study.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
When attending a lecture, I always chose to sit in the front row. I am the student who asks many questions of the professors during their office hours. Therefore most of my professors are familiar with me and I always discuss some of my own critical thinking with them as well.

Although it is far from my home country, all of the faculty members in our school are extremely nice and helpful.
                                         
Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Bagnani Medal (2013)
• Trent-Shanghai internship (2012)
• Trent Entrance Scholarship and Trent Tip awards (2009-2013)
• Dean’s Honor Roll each year at Trent