Jonathan Thibault ’09, Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Major in Economics, Minor in International Development Studies, Ottawa, ON

Mr. Jonathan Thibault will be attending graduate school at Queen’s University to study for his Master’s in Economics.  At Trent, Jonathan accomplished a great deal while working toward his undergraduate degree in Economics and International Development Studies.

He was repeatedly rewarded with scholarships for achieving consistently high averages.  Jonathan also received the Maurice J. Boote Scholarship for receiving the highest cumulative average during his first three years of study within the Economics program at Trent.

During his four years at Trent, Jonathan attended Jiu Jitsu classes and tutored students.  Interestingly, he also met his wife here.

Jonathan developed close relationships with his professors and enjoyed the quantitative and qualitative approach taken at Trent toward the study of economics and international development. He feels Trent has inspired him to look more to the future and to lifelong learning.

What are you future goals?
I will attend graduate school to obtain my M.A in Economics at Queen’s University.

What did you get out of your Trent degree?
Studying at Trent has changed my life. During my time at Trent I received great academic training, and developed a more open mind.  My education built up my confidence and made me a happier person.  I met my wife here.  We had a great time at Trent and are happy to move on to the next steps in life together.

Have you changed since you’ve come to Trent?
Yes, for sure.  I have become very future-oriented.  Before Trent, I never thought much about the long term.  The education I have received at Trent has made me excited, not only about working, but also about continuous learning over the next few decades.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
The campus spirit, the Peterborough community and the general open, liberal attitude of all the students and professors are the best things about Trent.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
I have had a close relationship with most of the professors here at Trent in the economics department.  There are only a few full-time professors, and if you’re lucky enough, you may have the same professor for four or five courses.  I was lucky enough to be able to converse with most of the professors, even up to several times per week.  They motivated me to do my best work, and were encouraging, not intimidating. 

Research Interests / Area of Study:

• International economics
• Development economics
• Health economics

How did your interest develop during your time at Trent?
I like the tools used by economists and issues analyzed in the international development courses.  These fields overlap and use qualitative as well as quantitative data to analyze important social, economic, and political issues.

Extracurricular activities:
I attended the Trent University Jiu Jitsu classes for all four years of my undergrad. The athletic facilities were great.  I also tutored many students which was a very rewarding and valuable experience.  I marked assignments and exams which allowed me to build relationships with the professors.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent In-course Scholarships (2010-2013)
• Dean’s Honour Roll (2010-2013)
• President’s Honour Roll (2010-2013)
• Maurice J. Boote Scholarship (2011-2012)