Cornel Grey '11, B.A. Honours, English Literature and Sociology, Kingston, Jamaica

Cornel Grey knew he wanted to study in a place of multiculturalism and inclusiveness. He found it in Canada at Trent University. After receiving an international scholarship and assessing Trent’s academic programs and campus life, Cornel knew Trent is where he needed to be.

I was looking for a small community, somewhere that I would not be another face in the crowd, where I could combine academic pursuit with community engagement,” said Cornel. Entering Trent as an English Literature student Cornel decided to enhance his analytical skills by adding Sociology as a joint major. Now near graduation he is enrolled in an honours thesis course in Sociology.

For Cornel, learning is not just about interpreting text. It is also about understanding how we can apply our knowledge to enrich our communities,” said Cornel.

Making the connection between theoretical knowledge and lived experience has been the most rewarding gift that I have received while in the classroom.”

Cornel feels fortunate to know his instructors as more than just professors, but as people. Devoted to social equality, he credits them for encouraging him to effect change.

In future Cornel would like to create opportunities for marginalized populations to gain access to common resources, but to also change institutional forces that he feels create positions of disenfranchisement. Through his practical research, close connection with faculty and community involvement at Trent, Cornel feels well-prepared for his graduate studies.

I think Trent has the unique quality of being a place where scholarship is embedded within the social and cultural landscape of the university,” said Cornel.

Learning and sharing is in fact, the very essence of collegiate programming, student leadership & development and community engagement.”

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Karanja Njoroge Community Service Award (2015)
• Otonabee College Head’s Prize (2015)
• Trent International Full Tuition Scholarship (2011-20114)

Extracurricular Activities:

• College Life Programmer (2014-2015)
• International Student Ambassador, Trent International Program (2014-2015)
• Board of Directors, Trent Central Student Association (2014)
• Co-Chair, Trent’s 50th Anniversary Student Steering Committee (2014)
• New Student Orientation & Transitions Staff (2014)
• Board of Directors, P.R. Community & Student Association (2013-2015)
• Liaison Student Ambassador (2013-2014)
• Senator (2013-2014)
• Introductory Seminar Week Leader (2012-2014)
• Member of Otonabee College Cabinet (2012-2014)