You reap what you sow. Never were truer words spoken but in reference to a university education -- and no one understands that better than Kelly Vanleyden, president of the Trent Oshawa Student Association (TOSA).
Ms. Vanleyden, a fourth-year history major at Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus, feels this is one way to give back to students and a university that has given so much to her. Ms. Vanleyden has worked as a Trent Oshawa peer counselling mentor, in history, as well as being on the TOSA board, as program director for history. As president of TOSA, she is involved in all aspects of student clubs, groups, and extracurricular activities at Trent University Oshawa. "This position is extremely rewarding,” said Ms. Vanleyden, “as I am always meeting new people, interacting with Trent’s Peterborough campus and representing the school on and off campus."
TOSA was formed and incorporated in 2010 and has a clear mandate to service the unique and growing needs of students at the Trent Oshawa campus. By overseeing club formation and events, the executive and the board work tirelessly to ensure a unique and positive experience for students. To quote the specific principles of the organization: " To encourage and support student clubs, organizations, and societies, thereby increasing the vitality of student life and the diversity of activities available to students of Trent University in Oshawa."
It is through these 'give and take' experiences that students like Ms. Vanleyden develop not just academically but personally.
Ms. Vanleyden entered Trent Oshawa with the intention of becoming a high school history teacher. While she has maintained a love for history, her focus has changed. Having been exposed to a number of different courses and opportunities, her plan now is to get a graduate degree in business, with an emphasis in marketing and advertisement. She credits Trent’s admirable class sizes and direct contact with professors with providing her with so many opportunities to learn and grow.
"Studying at Trent in Oshawa has been extremely rewarding. The students, teachers and administration create a positive learning environment. This institution offers small class sizes, with terrific professors who are passionate about each subject they teach.”
Trent Oshawa has also given Ms. Vanleyden the opportunity to become a leader, not only at TOSA but in her own educational pursuits, focusing her passions on a career path that will serve her well into the future.
“My most important goal as president this year is to make sure students really get involved with their campus. I feel that you receive an excellent degree here and gain a lot from being actively involved within your campus,” said Ms. Vanleyden.
Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2011.