TWU students Griffin Martens and Kate Hansen are among those who recently completed the Ottawa travel study hosted at TWU’s Laurentian Leadership Centre, where they gained fresh perspectives.
Griffin aspires to become a lawyer, and the Ottawa travel study introduced him to the many opportunities that exist in public policy and law.
“There are many different aspects to government that we don’t even think about. Getting to experience first-hand the many different moving parts that influence our government’s decision-making was invaluable to me.”
“When we think about government,” says Griffin, “most of us have an idea of what we might think it looks like — but chances are, your idea is completely wrong.”
“There are many different aspects to government that we don’t even think about,” he says. “Getting to experience first-hand the many different moving parts that influence our government’s decision-making was invaluable to me.”
Kate, a business major, was also part of this year’s Ottawa travel study.
Ever since spending time in Washington D.C. last summer, Kate has wanted to learn more about history and politics, and to take a closer look at the inner workings of government. That’s why when Kate heard about the opportunity to study Canadian politics through TWU’s travel studies program, she didn’t hesitate.
Kate, who is American, discovered new insights into both U.S. and Canadian politics during the Ottawa travel study. She was further able to make comparisons and connections between the two nations’ systems, which enriched her perspective.
“Witnessing firsthand the lawyers, Members of Parliament, judges, politicians, and others, was truly enlightening, and it piqued a newfound admiration for their roles. These roles require diligence, passion, patience, endurance, wit, and more.”
More importantly, she also met some of the people working within the government who carrying out the day-to-day efforts that drive the country’s policies. This helped her better understand the characteristics and skills required for doing various jobs within government.
“Witnessing firsthand the lawyers, Members of Parliament, judges, politicians, and others, was truly enlightening, and it piqued a newfound admiration for their roles,” Kate reflected. “These roles require diligence, passion, patience, endurance, wit, and more.”
Together, the knowledge gained and personal interactions experienced during the Ottawa travel study have broadened and informed Kate’s interests. “Walking on the historic grounds of Canada’s capital, witnessing the legal framework and Canadian democracy in play, and visiting all of the landmarks and destinations, gave me a truly unique, unforgettable, and invaluable experience,” she said.
“All in all, this trip showed me that though I may have had a previous notion of a certain direction I wanted in my life, maybe God has something else in store for me. Something that I would’ve never thought of if I had never had my perspective changed on this Ottawa travel study.”
Both Griffin and Kate recommend the Ottawa travel study, led by Executive Director of the Laurentian Leadership Centre Dr. Ann Penner and Professor of Law Kevin Sawatsky.
“If you’re someone who finds law and politics interesting, you should strongly consider taking part in this travel study, or even consider doing a semester at the Laurentian Leadership Centre,” Griffin says. “Even if law and politics doesn’t interest you, the opportunity to experience our nation’s capital in a travel study setting is an opportunity that you will regret not taking.”
Kate, who remembers the Ottawa travel study as a “transformative experience,” points to the benefits of learning outside the classroom. “You will learn more than you ever could in the confines of a classroom through experiential learning (hands on experience), meeting people in the professions, getting to understand and learn different cultures, ways of life, and more.”
She lists several trip highlights, including enjoying high tea at the Chateau Laurier with a Member of Parliament, witnessing politicians put on a mock debate, visiting the Supreme Court, going on a dinner cruise of the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River, touring Montreal, and living in the historic Booth House mansion that is currently TWU’s Laurentian Leadership Centre.
“Also, you will gain lifelong bonds, friendships, and cherished memories as you endeavour on the trip with a group of people that you become friends with. Trust me, it’s so worth it.”
See also: LLC alumna and philosophy honours graduate contributes to Canadian think tank
About TWU's Laurentian Leadership Centre
The Laurentian Leadership Centre (LLC) is a live-in extension program in the heart of Ottawa. There is no other program in Canada that offers the same access to a variety of elite field placements in Ottawa in a wide range of workplaces including politics, advocacy organizations, NGOs, media organizations, and private sector firms. Learn more about the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
About TWU Travel Studies
Travel studies allow students to be immersed in a different culture. TWU professors lead the courses, joined by guest speakers who provide a local perspective. For many students, participating in a travel study is one of the most memorable experiences of their entire major, if not a life-changing one. Learn more about Travel Studies at TWU.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting 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 locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.