Bryanna Melenhorst '11, B.Ed., Consecutive Bachelor of Education, Navan, Ontario

Bryanna was inspired to be an educator by a teacher who believed in her mathematical abilities. As a result Bryanna came to Trent University with an Entrance Scholarship so she too could provide vital encouragement for her own future students.

Also committed to the environment, she selected Trent for its promotion of environmental awareness demonstrated through its scenic settings. During her year at Trent, Bryanna participated in the Eco Mentorship, Project Wild and Below Zero, certificate programs enabling Bachelor of Education students to discover ways to incorporate environmental stewardship into lesson planning.

She regards her teaching placement as a favourite experience at Trent. “It was exciting to put all the tools I learned in classes to use and to discover my style in the classroom,” said Bryanna. “My professors led by example. Through in-class discussions, debates and self-discovery techniques, they taught effective teaching strategies.”

She recalls an especially memorable teaching experience while working with two students struggling with literacy skills within one of her placements. “I felt I was effective in showing these students that reading and writing could be fun,” said Bryanna. “It was rewarding to watch their self-confidence grow in their literacy abilities.”

Bryanna credits her professors including Fred Pulfer and John Miller for the unique impact they had on her development as an educator and the positive experience they provided. She feels Trent has equipped her with tools to compete in the competitive teaching job market and exposed her to the various alternative opportunities available to educators. 

“Having completed my Bachelor of Science at a large scale University, it was refreshing coming to Trent and having a name again,” reflected Bryanna. “My professors knew my interests and where I wanted to go. As a result, my program became specialized for me. Trent provided me with tools and opportunities to put me on top in a competitive market.”

In future, Bryanna would like to pay it forward.  She wants her students to know they can be anything from mathematicians to scientists and poets.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Margaret Lightbody Award (2015)
• Science Teachers' Association of Ontario Award (2015)

Extracurricular activities:

• Member, Trent University Teacher Education Liaison Committee
• Representative, Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association AGM (2015)