"At the LLC, I experienced the best of Trinity within one semester: unbeatable opportunities for professional development and unforgettable friendships."
— Josiah Haynes, BA Political Science Honours
Trinity Western's Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) is a live-in extension program located in Ottawa, O.N. that offers access to a variety of elite internships with government officials and NGOs in Canada's capital.
Many graduates of the LLC program have ventured on to many exciting career paths, including Trevor Halford, who was elected as MLA for Surrey-White Rock in the 2020 election and subsequently named the Official Opposition Critic for Mental Health and Addictions for B.C. Jennifer Babcock is Director of Public Affairs for the Canola Council of Canada. She recenlty shared on the Alumni Spotlight podast on how she continues to use the things she learned at TWU and the LLC to make a difference in her field.
Interested to learn more? Join the virtual Info Session Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at 6pm PST:
Josiah Haynes completed the LLC program in Fall 2020 and now serves as a Public & Media Relations Consultant at Resource Works. He shares some highlights from his recent journey in Ottawa.
What inspired you to attend the LLC, and how does this program match with your personal interests and life calling?
I was first inspired to join the LLC by my admissions councillor and LLC alumna, Josh Brown. He inspired me to attend TWU and study politics under some of the most qualified Christian academics in the field while having the rare opportunity to experience politics firsthand in Ottawa. The combination of academic excellence, genuine Christian community, and attending Canada’s top political internship program struck a chord with me. Over the next few years at Trinity, I developed a passion for transportation and natural resource policy, which led to an honours thesis on the Canadian Northern Corridor. I am passionate about the intersection of public policy and opportunities for economic and humanitarian development in remote and resource-based communities. When it came time to ask LLC Director Janet Epp Buckingham for an ideal internship placement, MP Bob Zimmer was the perfect fit.
Please tell us about your LLC internship.
Interning with Mr. Zimmer’s office has been nothing short of incredible. I have been given responsibilities, privileges, and opportunities that highlight what an amazing opportunity the LLC can provide. I wrote columns in newspapers, political correspondence, and assisted Mr. Zimmer by preparing materials for Question Period and the Committee on Natural Resources. In addition to further political research, I also had the opportunity to meet the Austrian ambassador, attend a meeting at the Hungarian embassy, and meet the leader of the Official Opposition. Yet despite the unforgettable experiences, the best part of the LLC program has been the friendships I have developed with my classmates and colleagues.
What has been the best part of the LLC program?
While the pandemic has made it more difficult to make quick professional connections at events, it has simultaneously provided an opportunity to develop rich and rewarding relationships. People are more willing to develop friendships and professional relationships through casual settings like elevator rides or initial chats in the hallway. I have also found a welcoming and rewarding community on the Hill itself, between being invited to a COVID-safe church by a staffer at the office down the hall, to enjoying coffees, lunches, and board games with my colleagues. Beyond this, I made deep friendships with my classmates while living together at the LLC. We shared meals, explored Ottawa, and became experts in Settlers of Catan and Among Us—which we plan on continuing over Zoom next semester!
At the LLC, I experienced the best of Trinity within one semester: unbeatable opportunities for professional development and unforgettable friendships. I would recommend it to anyone!
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to establish meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vital faith community committed to forming leaders to have a transformational impact on culture. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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