Linh Thi Thuy Tran '10, B.A., Honours, Economics, Vietnam

Linh fell in love with Economics as part of her International Baccalaureate studies in high school in Vietnam. In 2010, she came all the way to Peterborough, Canada, to pursue her passion at Trent University. “As an international student from a developing country, I am particularly interested in international trade, economic integration and development,” said Linh. “This interest has been further nurtured by the knowledge, dedication and encouragement from Trent’s faculty in the Department of Economics.”

In addition to receiving the Symons medal, awarded to students in the Honours program with high overall standing on graduation, Linh has earned many other accolades in recognition of her academic success, including the Maurice Boote Prize for academic excellence in Economics and the Trent Global Citizen Scholarship and Trent International Award.

While at Trent, Linh enjoyed many cultural outreach opportunities as a dancer within Korean and Chinese productions. Linh said, “These experiences have taught me a great sense of commitment, responsibility and team-work. More importantly, I have gained more friends from all over the world and this is what makes Trent unique and beautiful.”

Linh feels her supportive professors have been a great source of inspiration. She would like to send sincerest thanks to Professors Byron Lew, Bruce Cater, Torben Drewes and Mak Arvin of the Department of Economics. “Professor Byron Lew has gone beyond giving me academic advice to helping me make my future career choice,” said Linh. “It was the small class size and the approachability of the faculty that make Trent a place worth spending your four years. Besides, the diversity on campus has made me feel more welcomed and motivated to learn.”

Linh will be going to the University of British Columbia for graduate studies in Economics in September, where she will specialize in International Economics. With her degree in hand, Linh believes that the knowledge, experience and connections she gained at Trent will be a great asset in the future.  “As I continue to study further in Economics, especially International Economics and Development Economics, I hope to contribute my efforts towards bridging the gap between my own country, Vietnam, and the rest of the world.”

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Symons Medal (2014)
• Citizen Scholarship and Trent International Trent Global Award (2010-2014)
• Maurice Boote Prize (2013)
• McColl-Turner Prize in Financial Management  (2012)
• Trent Entrepreneurial Week Co-Winner (2012)