Ha Nguyen ‘09, Honours Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Hanoi, Vietnam

“I am confident that the skills I picked up at Trent will enable me to navigate my career successfully.”

Ms. Ha Nguyen is a recipient of the Symons Medal for her undergraduate studies in economics. This medal is awarded to students in the Honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation.

Ha was awarded the Inaugural Justin Chiu Global Citizen Scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements, community services and leadership.  Due to the scholarship, Ha feels she was able to pursue undergraduate studies at one of the best liberal arts universities in Canada.  She says, “It was my honour to be the first recipient of this generous and prestigious scholarship, which recognized my academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities.”

Following graduation Ms. Nguyen will be attending law school in September. Ultimately she would like to become an international lawyer so she can contribute and give back to her community.  Ha minored in politics with an emphasis on law and policy and is interested in international and current affairs.  Through her studies, Ha developed an ability to think logically and critically in a fast-paced environment.

Regarding the Trent community, Ha appreciates the support and knowledge shared with her by her professors as they helped her define her career path. She was involved in several groups at Trent including World Affairs Colloquium and Trent’s Fencing club. She was also a member of the Board of Governors where she honed her public speaking skills

Regarding the natural beauty surrounding Trent she says, “Walking across the bridge on a snowy day made me enjoy class even more.”

How will you make a difference with your Trent degree? 
The academic experience at Trent definitely helped me develop an ability to think logically and critically in a fast-moving environment. I have learned to think on my feet, sift through volumes of information, and present my ideas persuasively and succinctly. My ultimate goal is to become a successful international lawyer who is able to contribute to my communities.  I am confident that the skills I picked up at Trent will enable me to navigate my career successfully.

What are you future goals?
Upon graduating from Trent, I will be starting law school in September.

What did you get out of your Trent degree?
Trent is a very special and personal place for me. The community is small enough that I am able to connect with professors, staff, and fellow students. The ability to discuss and consult with my professors after class allowed me to understand economics and its applications thoroughly. My professors were very knowledgeable professionals.  They made my interest in economics grow over time.

Have you changed since you came to Trent?
I have certainly grown a lot since I came to Trent. On a personal level, I have become even more aware of the cultural diversity around me. Professionally, my career path was more defined. I have made great relationships with my fellow students and professors.   Additionally, I have also immersed myself in the lovely Peterborough community.

What is the best thing about studying at Trent?
Walking across the bridge on a snowy day made me enjoy class even more.  Apart from the breathtaking scenery, Trent has a great support system for students and a great international program.

Can you give an example of how Trent professors had a special impact?
At Trent, I was able to maintain close relationships with my economics, philosophy, and politics professors. I truly think the professors at Trent are great people, advisors, and scholars who inspired me and guided me along my academic journey. I would like to say a special thank you to my philosophy, and economics professors who provided me with timely advice and who always made time for me. Their advice enabled me to succeed academically throughout the years.

Research Interests / Area of Study:
Apart from economics, I had a minor in politics and an emphasis on law and policy. I am interested in international and current affairs.

Extracurricular activities:
While at Trent, I was a member of the World Affairs Colloquium, and Trent’s Fencing Club. Apart from these, I was also a student representative on the Board of Governors from 2010-2012. For two years, I was able to learn more about university governance, operational matters, as well as student affairs. I became a more confident and persuasive speaker, as a result.

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Symons Medal (2013)
• Champlain College Master’s Prize (2013)
• Spectrum Award (2013)
• Inaugural Justin Chiu International Scholarship (2009-2013)
• Dean’s Honour Roll (2009-2013)
• Maurice J. Boote Award (2012)
• Bruce Barret Memorial Award (2009)