Holly Ottenhof ’09, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Kingston, ON

“I have always felt comfortable approaching professors here at Trent because of the small class sizes and wonderful learning environment.”

Ms. Holly Ottenhof has wanted to be a teacher since kindergarten.  Her psychology studies within the Queen’s-Trent Concurrent Education program have brought her one significant step closer to her goal. Armed with a solid academic understanding of child and adolescent development, Holly is destined to complete her Bachelor of Education at Queens’ in the fall. She feels the positive experience she had at Trent through her extra-curricular activities also contributed to her success.

What will you do with your Trent degree?
After taking first year psychology I knew that this is what I wanted to study. Psychology is engaging and challenging and I have gained valuable knowledge for my future as a teacher.

What are your future goals?
I am now planning to continue to Queen’s University in the fall to complete my Bachelor of Education.

What did you get out of Trent?
Over the course of my undergraduate studies I took particular interest in developmental psychology classes. These courses have broadened my understanding of children and adolescents’ development and what they need in order to be successful in school.

Ever since I was in kindergarten I have wanted to be a teacher. The Queens-Trent Concurrent Education program has allowed me to complete my undergraduate degree, as well as gain experience and knowledge inside a classroom.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
The best thing about studying at Trent is the sense of community that students, professors and administration staff have created. Ever since my first visit to Trent I felt like this is my home away from home. Trent has so many opportunities for everyone to be themselves and find their passion in life. I found mine, as a teacher and passionate volunteer.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
I have always felt comfortable approaching professors here at Trent because of the small class sizes and wonderful learning environment. My first year psychology professor, Brenda Smith-Chant, made a big impact on me. Her love for psychology and friendly nature were some of the reasons why I wanted to continue my studies in psychology.

Extracurricular activities:
At Trent University I was involved in Trent’s Relay for Life for all four years of my time here.  It is 12 hours of fun, fundraising and friendship to beat cancer. During my first and second year at Trent I was on the Relay for Life Committee and helped to plan two successful events. In my third and fourth year I took over the committee as Chair. Every year Trent Relay for Life has become bigger and better, this year we raised over $40,000 for cancer research!

I have also been involved in Introductory Seminar Week (ISW).  As an ISW staff member I helped to facilitate and run activities and events for incoming first year students. An ISW staff member’s role is to encourage a positive transition for new students.

Both of these amazing opportunities have helped me to grow as a person and further develop my skills as a leader.  I have met so many amazing people through both these opportunities. I believe that Trent University helped me to mature into the woman I am today.

Volunteer work:
I have always been an avid volunteer in my hometown of Kingston, but at Trent I was able to take on bigger leadership roles. Trent University allowed me to further explore my passion for volunteering with my community and make an impact on those around me.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent University’s Renewable Entrance Scholarship