Speaking Up: Student Finds Voice in Political Arena
Forensics & Politics student Pasha Bowser bridges activism, community service and science
Pasha Bowser is a Forensic Science and Biology undergraduate who is keenly interested in politics. Her desire to champion important issues amplified when she came to Trent University from Prince Edward Island to realize her lifelong dream of becoming a forensic scientist – and a politician while she’s at it.
“My hope is to graduate from Trent, pursue a job in forensic science with the RCMP, and eventually run for political office,” reveals Ms. Bowser.
She is already leaping into the political arena with both feet. Concerned with the high costs facing her father in P.E.I. who frequently crossed the Confederation Bridge to visit her ill grandfather in New Brunswick, Ms. Bowser went straight to the top to voice her opinions. While she was a Trent student, she addressed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a town hall forum in Peterborough, Ontario in 2017.
“By talking to the Prime Minister, I felt heard,” claims Ms. Bowser. “Someone was finally bringing this issue to light beyond the many tables I’ve sat around back home where we would gripe about it. When he said he would bring it to the MPs, I was excited for them to hopefully pick up this issue.”
Pivotally, the conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau and her previous experience serving as a page at the City of Summerside and the P.E.I. Legislative Assembly, led Ms. Bowser to a summer research position on Parliament Hill with Senator Percy Downe of Charlottetown.
She attended caucus and committee meetings and researched summaries on various issues including the Confederation Bridge costs, which the senator continues to pursue as he has in the past. Ms. Bowser hopes to return to the role this summer.
“My biggest take away from Trent is to stand up for yourself and for what you believe in. Trent allowed me to find my voice and taught me that each voice matters and is able to make a change, if we just speak up.”