Politics, History & Economics (PHE) Student Stories

What’s it like to be a PHE student? And what’s life like after graduation? The stories below come from some of our current and former PHE students. Use the links below to jump to specific stories.

Geoff Brouwer
Maia deKlerk
Lisa DeMoor
Kim Dyke
Mychele Freund
Jason Horlings
Lewis Kelly
Andrew Lee
Trixie Ling
Duana Ogden
Melinda Steenbergen
John Vanderveen
Loralee Williams

If you're a PHE alum and have a story or update to share, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact Dr. Kits at gerda.kits@kingsu.ca.

Jason Horlings

I have been in the PHE program for 3 years and have been enriched by the students and staff of that program greatly. The program has continued to foster in me a strong passion to see the political and economic systems of the world transformed so that they seek to glorify God. A strong interest of mine is to understand how the churches can actively work towards public justice. It is imperative that Christians realize the ideologies in the political and economic systems of the world and work towards seeking the justice and peace that God has called his church to pursue. So with that desire and three years of the PHE program completed, I am currently participating in a year long internship with a faith-based NGO called the Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia.

I will be doing pastoral work in an Indonesian church. So my most common question is: "So, you have studied theology or gone to seminary?" My answer, is "No, I am actually studying politics and economics." Generally, a confused face is the response of whomever I am talking to. I have yet to entered my position here in Indonesia. My initial thoughts are that politics and economics are the context to which the church exists, therefore the public life that the church is in is crucial to understanding it's mission. I hope to listen and learn from Indonesians on how they live out their faith in the Indonesian political context. Even more interesting to me, is how the church is to respond to rapid globalization in Indonesia. I am especially keen to learn about the church's reaction to this political/economic phenomena. Maybe even share my perspective from the North American experience. Issues such as environmental degradation, cultural/religious pluralism, growing income disparity are some of the other issues I look forward to learning about in the context of the church engaging in public life.

In the first 2 weeks here I heard 3 out of 4 sermons explicitly discuss a specific political event during the sermon, something that I am not used to in Canada. That really sparked my curiosity, as the church that I will work with is not shy from engaging in public life. I hope to come back to finish the PHE program invigorated from my year in Indonesia and ready to share with others about the Indonesian experience.

Duana Ogden

While pursuing my PHE degree at King’s, I was fortunate to go to Zambia in October 2010 with an organization called Women for Orphans and Widows (WOW). We work in communities that are devastated by HIV/AIDS. Our work includes home based care as well as community initiatives, income generating activities with widows, and relationship building, to name a few.

Going to Zambia gave me an opportunity to spend some time with Francis Ngandwe, a graduate of King’s, at his home in Kitwe. I stayed with Francis and his family in his home and visited the school that he and his wife have founded. It was great to be there as they were eagerly anticipating the container of supplies sent from Edmonton that I know many King’s students had a part in filling and sending. The container has since arrived.

Once my three weeks in Zambia were over, I continued on to Burundi where I joined a team from my church. We spent time in a small remote community that we sponsor through Food for the Hungry Canada. The partnership is exciting and unique as both our church and the community leaders in Burundi have committed to and signed a 5-7 year covenant. As the plan develops it was exciting to visit my sponsor children, to build relationships, and to observe the ways that our partnership is beginning to make a difference and will continue to do so in the future. My experience was deepened by the knowledge I am gaining here at Kings and I so enjoy relating the things I am learning here to the great big real world out there.

Geoff Brouwer (Grad 2011)

While in the PHE program, I had several exciting opportunities to be involved and explore my broad interests in international relations, Canadian politics, environmental issues, and a variety of other areas. My experiences on campus with professors and fellow students, as well as summer work opportunities, have allowed me to better understand the complex and deeply important issues our world faces today.

Apart from being involved in student government, community gardens, sports teams, social justice groups, and many other activities, I also received a federal grant to travel to East Africa and be involved in development projects out there with the help of my professors. This has taught me a lot about NGO work in cooperation with local communities and government bodies.

I also spent time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa with the Laurentian Leadership Centre. This also proved to be an incredible learning opportunity. I was placed with the NDP critic on the environment, an MP from Edmonton, which has granted me a variety of hands-on learning and work experience related to environmental law, party politics, and various research projects. The work has not only been exciting, but has also broadened and deepened my knowledge of important topics here in Canada and abroad – all while earning credit towards my degree at King's.

Geoff is currently working for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee in Kenya, doing communications and research for a number of disaster relief programs.

Mychele Freund (Grad 2011)

As a PHE student, I spent a semester with the Laurentian Leadership Centre. It was the experience of a lifetime. A mansion, friends, academics, and work experience; the program has everything. While in Ottawa, I was challenged on every front. The courses made me rethink how I was tackling my education and made me look deeper into what I was experiencing in my internship. Being placed in the office of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance was a perfect fit for me. As a Politics, History and Economics major, it enabled me to see the interactions between the political and economic worlds. I saw political strategy in action and how the government tries to listen to citizens and reflect their desires. It was like seeing everything I had learned come together and relate in ways that change the world.

I cannot believe the experiences I had. Who knew I would ever sit in the Conservative lobby in the House of Commons when the second half of the 2009 Budget was brought before the House. Or that I would attend a press scrum with the Minister of Finance. Or listen to the Governor of the Bank of Canada tell Finance Committee the economic health of Canada. I was part of what makes Canada work and that was unbelievable.

Being in the capital of Canada also widened my view of the possibilities for my life. I became aware of areas and fields that I did not know existed. I was introduced to people from Ambassadors, to lobbyists, to Government Ministers, to top bureaucrats and they willingly provided me with insights into their worlds expanding my view of the world we live in. The Laurentian Leadership Centre brought Christ and culture together in a way that will impact my life forever.

Melinda Steenbergen (Grad 2011)

During my time in the PHE program, I worked on Parliament Hill for three months as an intern in John McKay’s office.I wrote briefing notes, constituent letters, rhetoric for television spots and speeches, Standing Order and Question Period material, and more. With my PHE education, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I was already capable and ready to succeed in this environment. My degree taught me to be a critical thinker and an articulate writer and speaker. I learned enough about the political and economic processes of our world to recognize injustices and shortcomings--but I also developed enough hope and vision to want to pursue effective engagement with people and institutions to make the world a better place.

After I graduated with a PHE degree, I was hired by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta to work in the non-partisan Legislative Assembly Office, which is run by the Speaker of the Assembly. I worked in the Financial Management & Adminstrative Services branch, where my job was partly providing administrative services to MLAs and constituency offices, and partly holding politicians responsible for how they handle tax-payer funds. It was a great mix of administrative work (which I'm good at) and political intrigue (which is fascinating), and--compared to life as a political staffer--there's more time for a personal life. I also did some part-time work with Statistics Canada and Elections Alberta.

To encourage more female participation in municipal politics, the City of Edmonton recently started a mentorship program called Opening the Potential and I was selected for one of six positions. This involved developing a relationship with a Councillor to better understand how our city government is run and what is involved in political office. In addition to jobshadowing, the program also provides workshops (on topics such as media, legislation, constituent work, fundraising, public relations, strategic planning, budgeting, civic boards, etc.) and behind-the-scenes access to all things City Hall. I also worked on research and social media projects for the Councillor, particularly in regards to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Edmonton's strategic planning (such as The Way We Green), and the municipal budget process. It was a great way to develop skills and enhance my career, as well as build networks and political experience.

I now work for the Government of Alberta Public Affairs Bureau, providing communications for Service Alberta. My job puts the writing, research, and analytical skills I gained from my PHE degree to work, as I'm now responsible for news releases, speeches, articles, communications plans, issues analysis, backgrounders, responding to questions from the public, and news conferences.

Loralee Williams (Grad 2011)

I was initially attracted to the PHE program at King’s by the unique multidisciplinary nature of the program, and the opportunity to study our world’s structures from a Christian perspective. And it delivered in a way I could never have imagined; my perspectives were broadened, my ideas were challenged, and a passion for social justice was awakened.

As I was challenged by the material in class, I was also supported by a community of faculty, staff and students as I tried to engage course material in a tangible way, through an internship with the Action Coalition on Trafficking, and a 2 month trip to India, where I was able to volunteer.

Now, as I move on from King’s I have the opportunity to be going to Mali for seven months as an intern with Canadian Crossroads International, where I will be working with one of their local partners as ‘Gender Empowerment Advisor’. During my preparations for my departure, I have realized that my education at King’s has prepared me much more than I realized. I have been enabled to think critically, to ask questions, and to look beyond the surface to seek solutions that promote peace, understanding and the health of our communities.

Lewis Kelly (Grad 2010)

I chose to take the PHE program because I wanted a diverse degree with classes that interested me. I really liked social studies in high school, and PHE seemed like the natural extension of that. Furthermore, I didn't have a very good idea of what I wanted to do upon graduating high school, so taking a broad degree like PHE really appealed to me. That was what drew me to the PHE program, and the great professors, classes, and other students kept me there.

After I finished my PHE degree at King's, I moved to Vancouver to complete a Master of Journalism degree at the University of British Columbia. Vancouver is a great place to live, and graduate school was extremely worthwhile. I overcame challenges I never thought I could (and that I didn't know existed before I started at UBC), made professional and personal relationships that will last the rest of my life, and learned a lot about both journalism and myself. I also learned the value of an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, as the breadth of my knowledge gave me ideas and background that many of my classmates didn't have. King's obviously doesn't have the name-recognition of a bigger school, but I often felt that I had received a better education than many of my classmates.

Lewis is currently employed by the Edmonton Journal as a staff writer.

John Vanderveen (Grad 2010)

I chose to attend the Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa for the last semester of my degree in Political Science, History, and Economics. For those of you who don’t know, the LLC is a satellite campus of Trinity Western University that opens its arms to students from all over the country including King’s. At the LLC, students live in a mansion about five blocks away from parliament. During my time there, I was a full time student (3 classes) while also interning at the Office of Jason Kenney who is the Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism. Many of my classmates chose to intern at NGO’s like Make Poverty History or the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.

It was an amazing semester. I would recommend the LLC to anyone in the PHE program. While at the LLC I met so many interesting and influential people inside and outside of government. Through my internship at Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism I was able to attend parties on the Hill, meet many senior politicians, and watch MP’s duke it out in Question Period.

Although I was one of only two King’s students in attendance, I quickly became friends with everyone in the house. The community was engaging and fun. Through the LLC we could attend events at the National Arts Centre nearly for free and our Community Life Co-ordinator Sara organized museum trips and hiking excursions. Ottawa is a beautiful city and by living downtown I was able to see and experience much of our country’s rich history. My semester at the LLC was the highlight of my undergrad and is the reason why I have moved back to Ottawa! I was able to develop a strong network of friends and contacts. The LLC is the reason that I am now working full time for the government of Canada.

Maia deKlerk (Grad 2009)

I chose to take PHE after taking an introductory political studies class with Dr. Hiemstra. He had talked about this new degree King’s was offering and I was attracted to the broad spectrum of the disciplines and thought that having knowledge of Political Science, History or Economics would be beneficial in further education in any of the three or in a career involving them.

Although I have not done any internships through the PHE program I have thoroughly enjoyed my years as a PHE Student. One particular highlight was attending the international conference, Building World Peace: The Role of Religions and Human Rights. It was interesting to hear different viewpoints from different religions, as well as to hear well known human rights advocates, such as Douglas Roche, make their case. It was exciting to be able to apply things to reality that I have learned through my time in the PHE program.

Through this program I have learned how to be a transforming agent of Christ in the public world of politics and the economy, and I now have tools that will aid me in this role in the future.

Maia currently works for Hope Mission, a Christian agency ministering to the inner city population of Edmonton. She works in a transitional housing program for young men at risk, working with them to achieve a healthy, productive life.

Kim Dyke (Grad 2008)

The PHE program at The King’s University College is an intricate and phenomenal opportunity to experience Canadian history, politics and economics, as well as the world at large. Through the PHE degree I have learned everything from classical philosophy, ancient emperors, economic theory, Canadian, European and African history, development economics to international relations. This degree is rewarding because it encompasses everything that I wanted to learn about. I was first attracted to the PHE program because politics and history was already my major and concentration, so adding economics to my degree made a lot of sense.

I made the decision to go to Uganda in the fall semester of my third year of my program and wanted to take a first hand look at the politics, history and economics of the region. In Uganda the civil war has been raging for over twenty years, while the economic structures are failing. On arriving back at Kings in the winter semester, I pushed myself in classes to learn not only from a Western perspective, but also from an African perspective.

After graduating from King's in 2008, I spent one year working in a non-profit assisting immigrants and newcomers to Canada integrate into Edmonton positively. In 2009 I spent a year traveling South East Asia, Australia, and northern Europe. Upon returning, I began working for another non-profit focused on alleviating poverty in Edmonton's inner city, where I still currently work. I am also finishing up my MBA in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University (NAIT campus, Edmonton), course and thesis based.

The PHE degree from King's accelerated my desire to continue to study and work in community economic development; the depth of knowledge and guidance that I received from my professors at King's gave me the foundation to begin my career and keep exploring politics, history, and economics in-depth.

Andrew Lee (Grad 2007)

I chose to enroll in the PHE program so that I could continue my education in Politics and Economics without having to leave behind the benefits of a Christian institution. I was originally enrolled in the 3-year Social Science program and was planning on transferring to the B.A. in Political Science at the U of A.

I started working at Freedom 55 Financial after graduating. I have been there ever since and have also been working cooperatively with a successful Wealth and Estate Planning Group. Recently, I bought out the practice of a retiring advisor and have added an administrative assistant and a sub-agent.

There are a lot of great things I could say about the PHE program. One thing is that I now work in a field for which there was no university degree specifically designed to prepare me. Even if I didn't learn one practical skill that is involved in my current vocation, the PHE developed my communication skills, my ability to learn, and gave me a knowledge of the world that helps people be comfortable doing business with me.

Trixie Ling (Grad 2007)

I wanted to take the PHE program because of its unique multidisciplinary focus on the three areas of study that interest me most. This major allowed me to deepen my understanding of many pressing issues. My interest in international development, public policy, and social justice, both on the local and international scene, made the PHE program an excellent desirable foundation for further education and work opportunities.

One of the highlights of my degree was the opportunity to do an off-campus study for a semester and an internship in Ottawa. My time at the Laurentian Leadership Centre allowed me to apply what I have learned at The King’s University College to the real world, and to see very practically how my faith integrates into public life. I was able to receive credits toward my degree for doing an internship with the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, a non-governmental organization.

I also had the opportunity to work in the summer months for the “Make Poverty History” campaign, advocating for more and better aid, trade justice, debt cancellation, and an end to child poverty in Canada.

In the past few years of studies, I have grown in my thinking and have been challenged in how I see the world and the complex issues that surround us each day. The faculty and supportive community at The King’s University College have enriched my experience while working on the PHE program.

After graduating from the PHE program, Trixie worked as a Public Policy Intern with Citizens for Public Justice in Ottawa, a national policy organization that advocates for policies that reflect God’s call for justice, love and stewardship. She then completed a Master of Public Policy degree at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and wrote her thesis on the social and economic impacts of language barriers for Chinese immigrant women in Metro Vancouver. Trixie currently lives in Vancouver and works for the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division as a Project Manager for “Connecting the Dots,” a project that promotes the mental health of urban Aboriginal youth and families in British Columbia. Trixie also serves as a Board of Director at The King's University College and a Board Member for Co:Here Housing, a non-profit organization that provides supportive and affordable housing in intentional communities in East Vancouver.

Lisa DeMoor (Grad 2006)

The PHE program appealed to me because of my interest in social justice and public policy. It provided both a broad picture of political and economic life both nationally and internationally, as well as the tools and knowledge-base necessary to engage in and work for justice in Canada and beyond.

From the marble steps of the Alberta Legislature to the red dirt of West Africa, the broad background of the PHE degree allowed me to explore my own broad interests. Since graduating, my degree provided me the background knowledge to work for justice locally during a summer contract with an Albertan political party. I also credit this degree with giving me the chance to spend 8 months working in Canadian foreign policy advocacy with a peace building NGO in Ottawa. The flexibility of the program and the courses, also allowed me to focus on development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa, which definitely came in handy when what I had learned in class and in books came to life during a 6-month CIDA internship in The Gambia.

The PHE degree and its broad interdisciplinary nature has proved to be a springboard into further work and education opportunities that will prove to be invaluable in training me for work on the international stage. Further, the PHE course-work, faculty, and broader King's environment, taught me about the intrinsic call to social justice within the Christian life, and challenged me to work for Shalom in our economic and political systems in this often broken world.

Since graduating from the PHE program, Lisa has completed an M.A. degree at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa. After working for the Canadian International Development Agency in Ottawa for several years, Lisa recently accepted a position in Nigeria, working with CIDA’s child and maternal health programs.