Brett Throop '08, B.A. Canadian Studies, Cobourg ON

Drawing on his experience having grown up in a rural area, Canadian Studies graduate Brett Throop has concerns regarding global, social, and ecological well-being. Using his research to take responsibility for the ways in which we shape the environment we live in, Mr. Throop values creativity and self-reflection as crucial parts of any given life and career.

How will you make a difference with your Trent degree?
At Trent I learned to value creativity, self-reflection, critical thinking, initiative, and the perspectives of others. I will make a difference with my Trent degree by acting by those values in my personal life and career for as long as I'm around.

Why did you choose Trent?
I chose Trent because of its small class sizes, generous scholarships and positive reputation for work on environmental and social issues.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
Trent is a great academic community. It was so nice to recognize faces everywhere I went on campus and in Peterborough. It's hard to go far without bumping into someone to have an engaging conversation with. Faculty members are accessible and available to students as is the administration, with President Stephen Franklin at the helm. This sense of community is attributable to Trent's size and a still persistent founding commitment to be a collegial space. Best of all, ideas and initiative are valued at Trent. You can take an idea and run with it.

Extracurricular activities:
I sat on the board of directors for Arthur Newspaper and the Trent Centre for Community Based Education in my third and fourth years.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Trent University National Renewable scholarship (2008-2012)
• Queen Elizabeth Aiming for the Top Scholarship (2008-2012)