Trinity's tour guides are a group of highly motivated students who are selected to represent the College. We are very proud of our tour guides and have used the page below to expand on their talents, interests, and involvement here at Trinity. Please feel free to browse through and read more about each of our guides.
Haben Abraham
Hartford, Connecticut
Trinity Class Of: 2010
High school: Miss Porter’s School
Major: International Studies
Minor: Community Action and Hispanic Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Black Women’s Social Movements and Activisms
Favorite professor at Trinity: Anne Gebelein
Why I chose Trinity: I knew I would be challenged academically. I was especially attracted to Trinity’s study abroad programs.
Extracurricular activities: Performance, Co-organizer of Temple of Hip Hop and Vendor Organizer for TOHH Festival(2006 - present), Trinity College’s Black Women’s Organization, P.R.I.D.E leaders, Multicultural Affairs Office, MAC Representative 2007-2008, IMANI, Trinity College’s Gospel Choir, Africa Development Coalition, community service and art projects.
What I love most about Trinity: The many opportunities to contribute back to my Hartford community (i.e. Trinity’s community service projects, Do It Day, etc.) I also love the sense of activism and enthusiasm on campus.
Professional goals/career plans: Apply for the Peace Corp in either a South American or African country and eventually become an aide ambassador for the United Nations.
Haben.Abraham@trincoll.edu
Nagela Ampudia
Brooklyn, New York
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Westtown School Westtown, PA
Major: Biology
Minor: Philosophy or Anthropology
Favorite class taken at Trinity: The Music of Black American Women
Favorite professor at Trinity: Prof.Beth Notar, Prof.Gail Woldu
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because of its great academic history and its resources.
Extracurricular activities: Social Chair for IMANI, WGRAC, TCWBO, Rugby (possibly), Community Service Club
What I love most about Trinity: I love the school spirit.
Professional goals/career plans: Become an influential Bio medical researcher and provide medical aid for the disadvantaged.
nagela.ampudia@trincoll.edu
Caroline “CeCe” Bazar
East Greenwich, RI
High School: Providence Country Day School
Major: Theatre and Dance
Minor: Legal Studies
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: My First Year Seminar, Mind, Body, and the Concept of Self
Favorite Professor at Trinity: Dr. Randolph Lee
Why I chose Trinity: As a senior in high school in the midst of the college search process, I looked for two things in each school that I went to: a strong theatre program and a tight-knit community. Trinity possesses both of those qualities. With programs offered such as La MaMa and endless performance opportunities the theatre program stood out from the rest. Additionally, the size of the campus creates a feeling of community and family that is unique to the school, and thus allows each student to view Trinity not just as “the school they attend” but rather as the “home” in which they reside.
Extracurricular Activities: I am a member of Tributes, the Trinity Sailing Club, and I volunteer at a local Elementary school once a week.
What I love most about Trinity: What I love most about Trinity are the warm spring and fall days when it seems that the entire college is on the quad. The scene of students working, talking, tanning, drawing, taking a class, and playing Frisbee, is a scene seemingly extracted from a movie. The Trinity campus comes alive as students bond and form relationships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: I would love to pursue my passion for acting in the world of theatre and performing arts.
Caroline.Bazar@trincoll.edu
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Rolanda Brinson
Bronx, NY
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: The Choir Academy of Harlem
Major: Creative Writing
Minor: Music
Favorite class taken at Trinity: The Turmoil of Evolving Beliefs
Favorite professor at Trinity: Barbara Benedict
Why I chose Trinity: The people I met on my overnight stay during V.I.P. Days
Extracurricular activities: Multi-Cultural Recruitment Intern, Trinity College Trinitones
What I love most about Trinity: The one on one relationship that students get to build with faculty and staff.
Professional goals/career plans: To guide high schools seniors with the college process as a college counselor in an inner city school or to be a college admissions officer.
Rolanda.Brinson@trincoll.edu
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Jeanika Y. Browne-Springer
East Hartford, Connecticut
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy
Major: Studio Art (Photography) & Theatre/Dance (Arts in Community)
Minor: (intended) Human Rights
Favorite classes taken at Trinity: African Dance and Photography
Favorite professor at Trinity: Pablo Delano
Why I chose Trinity: The small community and willing professors make it easy to pursue all my interests. The liberal arts college allows me to discover academic new strengths which I may not have considered possible before. I love the Studio Arts and Theatre/Dance departments because of the opportunity to work with other students who have similar arts passions.
Extracurricular activities: Shondaa Step Team, Relay for Life, Rising Stars Academic Mentoring, Do-It-Day and Visual Arts projects with Montessori School
What I love most about Trinity: The Hartford area is so full of opportunity to meet different types of people, learn about other cultures, and pursue internships. The local schools are very welcoming to Trinity students who desire hands on experience in the classroom and the city thrives with excitement.
Professional goals/career plans: With my past experience in the YMCA, I would like to become a teacher in the future; I prefer the arts. I also have dreams of becoming a principal and starting my own interior design business for less fortunate families.
Jeanika.BrowneSpringer@trincoll.edu
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Courtney Chaloff
Chestnut Hill, MA
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Newton South High School
Major: Educational Studies (Possible double in psychology)
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Anthropology of Violence, Memory and Commemoration
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Butos and Professor Anderson
Why I chose Trinity: Trinity is a great distance from home and offers courses in areas I am interested in (i.e. Trinity has a an educational studies program). Trinity athletics are also very strong and I was recruited for volleyball. Overall, Trinity seemed to be the best fit with my academic and athletic interests. I felt very comfortable and welcomed on campus.
Extracurricular activities: Volleyball team; Mentor in the Hartford Magnet Middle School; Hillel Member. What I love most about Trinity: Besides athletics and academics, the thing I love the most about Trinity is all the green. The quads are beautiful and I love spending afternoons outside with my friends, doing homework, playing sports or just relaxing.
Professional goals/career plans: As of now, I am interested in teaching. I am interested in elementary or special education. I plan on working in a school at some level – as a teacher, guidance counselor, special education aid, etc.
Courtney.Chaloff@trincoll.edu
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Kristen Droesch
Setauket, New York
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Ward Melville
Major: Creative Writing/Ethnomusicology
Minor: Studio Arts
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Samba
Favorite professor at Trinity: Joe Byrne
Why I chose Trinity: Trinity had everything I was looking for in a liberal arts college, and I loved the feel of the close knit community
Extracurricular activities: Samba ensemble, Chamber ensemble, ConnectiKids tutoring,
What I love most about Trinity: The arts community.
Professional goals/career plans: I am looking toward a career in either publishing or music.
Kristen.Droesch@trincoll.edu
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Courtney Duffy
West Boylston, MA
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Worcester Academy
Major: (soon-to-declare) Political Science, Creative Writing
Minor: InterArts Program
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Intro To Creative Writing
Favorite professor at Trinity: Okey Ndibe
Why I chose Trinity: We hadn’t even parked the car, and yet I knew. I completely changed my plans to attend a music conservatory. I wish I could “blame” the intimate classes, excellent faculty, or diverse student body, but to be honest, I just felt like I was meant to be living and learning here. I followed my instinct, and I’ve never once regretted it.
Extracurricular activities: School Supplies For Little Guys Program (Co-founder), Trinity College Quirks a cappella group (Director of Music), F.A.C.E.S. (double representative), Student mentor at M.D. Fox Elementary, Spring Musical, Biology Club, and Trinity Choir
What I love most about Trinity: Everyone I know counts down the days until they return to campus after a vacation.
Professional goals/career plans: I plan on attaining a higher degree in one (or both) of my undergraduate majors, and perhaps attending Law School or pursuing a career in broadcast journalism in Washington, D.C.
Courtney.Duffy@trincoll.edu
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Scotty Eckenthal
Warren Township, New Jersey
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: The Pingry School
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Undecided
Favorite class taken at Trinity: MATH-203: Abstraction & Argument
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor David Mauro
Why I chose Trinity: My college search was guided by a list of very specific criteria, and Trinity was the first school on my list that both fit those restrictions and made me feel comfortable from the first moment I stepped on campus. Though I was immediately attracted by the school’s Jewish Studies major (an aspiration I have since abandoned), the gorgeous campus and fun-loving student body made my choice very clear, and I applied early decision.
Extracurricular activities: Trinity Accidentals, The Mill, Hillel, January Musicals, Spring Musicals, Fred Pfeil Community Project
What I love most about Trinity: In my opinion, Trinity’s greatest strength is its diversity, not necessarily in the race, gender, or sexuality of the students the institution attracts (though those obviously contribute to a diverse and vibrant campus community), but rather in the wide variety of interests and goals represented by the student body. I was hard-pressed to find a campus community home to hardcore academics, serious athletes, and artists alike, and I found just that here at Trinity. If you can think of a “type” of student, they’re here, and the heterogeneity across the student population fosters an education both inside and outside the classroom. As such, the student body is the heart and soul of this campus; the SGA is extraordinarily influential, and students have the freedom to start and run organizations as they see fit, all the while with unflagging support from the community at large.
Professional goals/career plans: As of yet, I have no plans, but obviously that is sure to change.
Scott.Eckenthal@trincoll.edu
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Elliot Faust
West Chester, PA
Trinity Class of: 2012
High school attended: The Episcopal Academy
Major: Undecided (Economics)
Minor: Music
Favorite class taken at Trinity: The Arabian Nights (FYS)
Favorite professor at Trinity: Zayde Antrim
Why I chose Trinity: My reasons for choosing Trinity were very unique. I was lucky enough to be recruited to play football at Trinity the winter of my senior year. I had not even looked at Trinity before then and was unaware that 8 teachers from my high school were Trinity graduates, one even being on the National Alumni board. On my initial visit to Trinity College, January 18th 2008, I was amazed to find such a prestigious school academically and athletically. Also, having listened to recordings from a few of the school’s A Capella groups while on campus, I was blown away that such a small school could be so gifted artistically. It was the combination of academics, athletics, and artistic quality that let me know that Trinity College was the right school for me.
Extracurricular activities: The Trinity College Accidentals (all-male A Capella group), Trinity College Football, the “Januaries” Musical Productions, the Spring Musicals, Best Buddies (Community service program)
What I love most about Trinity: The thing I love most about Trinity College is the student’s involvement within the school. There was not one home football game, one A Capella concert or one theater performance that I’ve been a part of that has not been full of Trinity students eager to see their fellow classmates perform. That unity between our school shows that every student who goes to Trinity College is proud to be a part of this school.
Professional goals/ career plans: I would love to go into a career of Sports Management/Business with the Philadelphia Phillies or any other Philadelphia major sports team.
Elliot.Faust@trincoll.edu
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Blake Fisher
Naperville, IL
Year of graduation: 2011
High school: Naperville North
Major: History
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Philosophical Themes of Western Culture
Favorite professor at Trinity: Drew Hyland
Why I chose Trinity: Interest in leaving home, while having the comfort of a close-knit community and small class sizes along with a strong DIII athletic program
Extracurricular activities: Cross-Country, Indoor and Outdoor track, Banquet
What I love most about Trinity: The overwhelming availability of professors, advisors, coaches, and other students. I feel like every part of Trinity is home, not just my dorm.
Professional goals/career plans: Teaching high school history
Blake.Fisher@trincoll.edu
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Christine Ganley
Westford, Massachusetts
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Westford Academy
Major: Middle Eastern Studies
Minor: Undecided
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Intro to Intensive Elementary Arabic I and II
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Flibbert
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because it offered Middle Eastern Studies as a major, because it was relatively close to home, it had a beautiful campus but was in a city, it was small (and therefore had small class sizes), and because it was strong academically.
Extracurricular activities: Mentor at M.D. Fox elementary school, intramural soccer and softball, and I am thinking about running track for Trinity this year but I’m not 100% sure yet
What I love most about Trinity: I love that Trinity offers a wide variety of academic subjects to study, that it is small enough where you can get personal attention and help if necessary, that it has a beautiful campus but exposes students to life in the city as well, and that classes are challenging but not impossible to do well in.
Professional goals/career plans: I plan to become fluent in Arabic and work some sort of government organization, most likely the FBI.
Christine.Ganley@trincoll.edu
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Anna Gordon
Farmington, CT
Year of Graduation: 2012
High School: Loomis Chaffee
Major: International Studies (undeclared)
Favorite class taken at Trinity: The City as a Built Environment
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Ma
Why I chose Trinity: I knew I wanted to go to a small liberal arts college, and I fell in love with Trinity’s beautiful campus and unique location within the diverse city of Hartford.
Extracurricular Activities: Rising Stars Mentoring Program
What I love most about Trinity: The people are definitely the best part of this campus. I have met so many smart, personable, and eager teachers and students here. Everyone is willing to challenge your intellect in the classroom and then relax with you on the quad.
Professional goals/career plans: I would love to move to New York City and work in an International Organization or as part of a Human Rights effort.
Anna.Gordon@trincoll.edu
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Joshua Growney-Levison
Rochester, NY
High School: The Harley School
Major: Public Policy and Law
Minor: The Cities Program
Favorite Class Taken At Trinity: The City as a Built Environment with Professor Curran
Why I Chose Trinity: Being located in a city was an important factor for me because of the cultural opportunities it provides. The teachers here are knowledgeable and helpful, and the classes are discussion-based. The campus is the perfect size.
Extracurricular Activities: Men’s Rowing, First-Year Class President, Habitat for Humanity
Professional Goals/Career Plans: I hope to go to law school and live in New York City. I would like to get involved in American Politics or Urban Planning. I also wish to expand my interest in architecture by traveling around the world.
Joshua.GrowneyLevison@trincoll.edu
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Nastaran Hakimi
Chestnut Hill, MA
High School: Buckingham Browne & Nichols
Major: History and Sociology
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: Intro to Sociology
Favorite Professor at Trinity: Professor Chatfield
Why I chose Trinity: The campus is beautiful, and several students from my high school attend Trinity every year so I had a resource and people to talk to about their experiences. Since everything I heard was positive, I thought that Trinity would be an excellent match.
Extracurricular Activities: Member of ACES
What I love most about Trinity: I love the small class sizes and the personal relationships I have developed with my professors already. I even have lunch with one of my favorite professors often just to talk. I have made wonderful friends already and I am excited to meet new people!
Professional Goals/ Career Plans: I hope to one day move back to Boston and attend Law School.
Nastaran.Hakimi@trincoll.edu
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Chelsea Hanse
Malvern, PA
High School: Westtown School, Westtown, PA
Major: Political Science and Public Policy and Law Double Major
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: Art and the Public Good with Professor Power and Law, Argument, and Public Policy with Professor Cabot
Favorite Professor at Trinity: Professor Cabot
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because of the great academics, professors, and welcoming atmosphere. The strong academic reputation combined with the intimacy of a small liberal arts college that Trinity has was exactly what I was looking for.
Extracurricular Activities: Writing Associate and Writing Center Tutor, Big Brother/Big Sister, Connectikids tutoring program, Artistic Expression, ConnPIRG, Habitat for Humanity
What I love most about Trinity: A strong sense of community, its size, resources, and the people that I have met. My experience here has been one of positive growth and learning and the people here have made that possible.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: After graduating from Trinity, I plan to attend law school and enter the legal or sports management field.
Chelsea.Hanse@trincoll.edu
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Claire Hellwig
Skokie, IL
Year of graduation: Class of 2012
High school: Roycemore School
Major: International Studies/French (intended)
Favorite class taken at Trinity: FYSM Italian Language and Culture
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor del Puppo
Why I chose Trinity: The small size of the classes, the location of the school,and the accessibility of the professors.
Extracurricular activities: Model UN, ACES, Bio Club, Volunteer at Cinestudio, Green Campus, ConnPIRG Campus Climate Change
What I love most about Trinity: The feeling of a close-knit community on campus, the variety of classes offered, everyone’s desire to see you succeed.
Professional goals/career plans: At the moment, I am unsure of any specific career plans, but I would like to possibly work for a French or Italian embassy or for the UN.
Claire.Hellwig@trincoll.edu
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Sean Hilson
Los Angeles, CA
Trinity Class Of: 2010
High school: Flintridge Preparatory School
Major: International Studies – Asian Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Warring States – US & Vietnam
Favorite professor at Trinity: Certainly difficult to say. At this point, I’d have to say Professor Michael Lestz. Professor Lestz has had a critical impact on my studies here at Trinity, and I’ve very much enjoyed taking his classes and conversing with him.
Why I chose Trinity: The academics, the campus, and the professors. There’s an immense variety in terms of class selection, classes are challenging and interesting, and the professors are first rate. Not to mention that the campus is simply gorgeous.
Extracurricular activities: Cleo Alpha Chi, Teaching Assistant, Student Government Assoc.
What I love most about Trinity: Besides the aforementioned professors, academics, and campus, I cherish the relationships I’ve developed here. This school has very much fulfilled the role of a home for me for the past several years.
Professional goals/career plans: leaving for law school next year, planning on being a lawyer, hopefully specializing in copyright or intellectual property law.
Sean.Hilson@trincoll.edu
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Abby Himmelrich
Baltimore, MD
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Beth Tfiloh High School
Major: Psychology and Educational Studies
Minor: Hebrew
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Child Development
Favorite professor at Trinity: Levana Polate
Why I chose Trinity: I wanted to attend a small, liberal arts school. After looking at my list of schools, a family friend suggested that I also consider Trinity. After visiting here, I loved the feel of the small school and that it is in New England. I also wanted to be able to develop relationships with my professors, have them know my name and be willing to help me outside of class if I ever needed guidance in a class. The Hillel at Trinity also led me to choose this college because of the close and welcoming environment that Hillel offers to students.
Extracurricular activities: On the board at Hillel, Volunteer in the art class at the Montessori School in the Learning Corridor.
What I love most about Trinity: I love the community that develops from a small school. I can walk around campus and see people I know from a class or an extracurricular activity and easily say hi or have a brief conversation. The small community also allows students to form close relationships with professors and other faculty members on campus. Professors want to see their students succeed, and will do whatever they can to make that happen, whether it is sitting down and re-explaining a concept from class or reading through a draft of a paper.
Professional goals/career plans: I want to work with and help children in some way.
Abby.Himmelrich@trincoll.edu
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Anne “Annie” Isaacs
Dover, Massachusetts
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Dover-Sherborn High School
Major: Psychology
Minor: Possibly History
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Order and Disorder in the Medieval Mind, or Philosophy
Favorite professor at Trinity: Drew Hyland
Why I chose Trinity: The gorgeous campus and the closeness to home.
Extracurricular activities: ConnPIRG, and volunteering to train other students on the gym equipment so they do not hurt themselves by not knowing the correct way.
What I love most about Trinity: The way that the staff really wants to help you succeed in any way they can.
Professional goals/career plans: As a psychology major, I want to pursue a job in that field, although I want to stretch it to combine working with adolescents and athletes; Sports Adolescent Psychology. As a wounded athlete I have seen player’s lose touch with their sport because they can’t get over the hump created by their injury. I want to help them in way I was unable to get help when I was injured.
Anne.Isaacs@trincoll.edu
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Sarah Keller
Perrysburg, OH
Year of graduation:2011
High school: Notre Dame Academy
Major: Educational Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Art and the Public Good
Favorite professor at Trinity: Drew Hyland
Why I chose Trinity: I wanted to attend a small liberal arts college on the east coast, and came to spend a weekend at Trinity during one of my college trips. I set foot on campus and absolutely fell in love with the school and loved every minute of my experience here.
Extracurricular activities: Newman Club, TCAC (Trinity College Activities Council), Women’s Rowing
What I love most about Trinity: I love the sense of community developed at Trinity between students, but also between students and faculty/staff/administration
Professional goals/career plans: Guidance Counseling, Occupational Therapy, or Hotel Management
Sarah.Keller@trincoll.edu
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Mark LaVoie
Sherborn, MA
High School: Dover-Sherborn Regional High School
Major: Intend to major in Economics
Minor: Undecided
Favorite Class Taken At Trinity: First Year Seminar: Beatles & the 60s
Why I Chose Trinity: Small class sizes and architecture of the school
Extracurricular Activities: Yearbook, Republican Club, English Department Student Worker
Professional Goals/Career Plans: Would like to go into investment banking and eventually become an entrepreneur in real estate
Mark.Lavoie@trincoll.edu
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Virginia Lee
Ross, CA
High School: Redwood High School
Major: Political Science
Minor: Human Rights
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: Debating Human Rights (Freshman Seminar) and Political Philosophy or History of Political Thought
Favorite Professor at Trinity: Kimberly Sims
Why I chose Trinity: I knew that I wanted to go to a small, liberal arts college on the East Coast. Besides fulfilling these basic requirements, Trinity provides a strong sense of community, with the small classes, accessible professors and a hard-working, open-minded student body.
Extracurricular Activities: This year I have participated in the Rising Stars Community Service and Mentoring Program, which works with the students at the Hartford Magnet Middle School on a weekly basis. Beginning in the fall of 2008 I will be a mentor to the freshman seminar “Rhetoric and Debate in the 2008 Election” with Beverly Wall and a teaching assistant to Political Science Professor, Kimberly Sims for her Political Philosophy course. Over the summer I will be doing an internship with a non-profit, progressive think-tank called Commonweal Institute, as well as participating in the Grassroots Campaign. What I love most about Trinity: The beautiful campus and the students.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: I have an interest in pursuing broadcast journalism after graduation.
Virginia.Lee@trincoll.edu
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Charlie Lodge
Bedford, NY and New York, NY
Year of Graduation: 2010
High school: Brunswick School
Major: Political Science
Concentration: Theory
Favorite class taken at Trinity: History of Political Thought
Favorite professor at Trinity: Gregory Smith
Why I chose Trinity: I was looking for a smaller school, and while the campus was small—yet quite impressive—I looked forward to having the experience of a small college, and the resources of the city of Hartford.
Extracurricular activities: St. Anthony Hall, Trinity Ski Team
What I love most about Trinity: The Quad; The Statue of Bishop Brownell, the Long Walk, and the Chapel are simply humbling. You can see the Chapel from almost everywhere on campus and I am pleased my walk to class takes me down the Long Walk every day—they have an indefinable collegiate feeling.
Professional goals/career plans: I want to work in advertising, writing commercials.
Charles.Lodge@trincoll.edu
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Rick MacLeod
Haverhill, MA
Year of graduation: 2011
High school: Haverhill High School
Major: Pre-Med
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Psychology 101
Favorite professor at Trinity: Prof. Alison Draper
Why I chose Trinity: Amazing atmosphere and diversity in the student body, and a perfect campus.
Extracurricular activities: Varsity Crew Team, Intramurals, Orientation Leader
What I love most about Trinity: The campus
Professional goals/career plans: I am currently planning on going to Medical School.
Richard.MacLeod@trincoll.edu
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Katie Marinello
Montville, NJ
High School attended: Montville Township High School
Major: English with a concentration in Creative Writing
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: Advanced Creative Writing
Why I chose Trinity: Its energy, friendly atmosphere, and the excellent tour I took!
Extracurricular Activities: ConnPIRG, Carillon Guild, Yoga, Newman Club, interning for American School of the Deaf and Teach for America
Professional Goals/ Career Plans: To write and/or teach
Catherine.Marinello@trincoll.edu
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Milan Moore
Los Angeles, CA
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Marymount High School
Major: Political Science
Minor: Legal Studies and Community Action
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Religions of Africa
Favorite professor at Trinity: Cynthia Butos
Why I chose Trinity: Trinity offered a small classroom environment where I could be comfortable and get to know my professors. Trinity had an array of classes and a variety of extra curricular activities that interested me.
Extracurricular activities: MOCA, Pride, ConPIRG, IMANI/TCBWO
What I love most about Trinity: I love the diversity of people I met so far at Trinity from my professors to my peers because so many have different backgrounds and I like opening my mind and learning about various cultures.
Professional goals/career plans: I plan to attend Law School and study either Corporate or Entertainment Law.
Milan.Moore@trincoll.edu
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Kristina Pappas
East Longmeadow, MA
Trinity Class Of: 2010
High school: East Longmeadow High School
Major: Biology
Minor: English Literature
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Microbiology
Favorite professor at Trinity: Chloe Wheatley
Why I chose Trinity: I visited many small colleges, but Trinity stood out in my mind due to the flexibility of its curriculum. I knew I would be able to take all of the classes that I was interested in taking. I also got the feeling when visiting campus that people really loved being at Trinity.
Extracurricular activities: Varsity Tennis Team, Biology Club, Relay for Life Planning Committee, M.D. Fox Mentoring
What I love most about Trinity: I love the close relationships that I’ve formed with professors. It’s not uncommon for a professor to take a couple of students out to lunch, or for one to come to one of my tennis matches.
Professional goals/career plans: Independent School Biology Teacher or Biology Professor
Kristina.Pappas@trincoll.edu
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Lira Park
Berlin, Connecticut
Year of Graduation: 2012
High School: Miss Porters School
Major: Art History and Studio Arts
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Engineering Design
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor David Ahlgren
Why I chose Trinity: After attending a small high school, I thought that I wanted to experience big change, which led me to apply to sixteen large, research universities. Along with the sixteen large, research universities, I applied to the sole liberal arts school on my list, Trinity College. After visiting those larger universities, I realized that going to a school with over 20,000 people was a change too drastic for me. Trinity was perfect for me in the sense that the classes were small enough, average class size of 18, and I knew that I was not just going to be a number within my classes. Also, all of the classes taught at Trinity are by professors not graduate students or teacher’s assistants. I was most intrigued by the fact that the professors were interested in the thoughts you had and the passion and dedication they had for their teaching.
Extracurricular activities: Habitat for Humanity, Asian American Student Association (AASA), and Intramural Soccer
What I love most about Trinity: The thing I love most about Trinity is the fact that you are given the power to create the best college experience for yourself. Whether it is the flexible curriculum, the great teacher-student relationships, the endless number of organizations and activities to be a part of, Trinity gives you the opportunity to try new things and learn more about yourself along the way. I found that my interests and concerns were the top priorities of not only my professors, but my fellow classmates. You are never considered a number here at Trinity. My opinions are listened to and I have been able to learn so much more about myself here at Trinity.
Professional goals/career plans: I would love to be involved in some area of Communication Design. Being able to create a product that sends a message to a certain audience would be one of the most rewarding jobs.
Lira.Park@trincoll.edu
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Matthew Piros
Basking Ridge, NJ
Year of graduation: 2012
High school attended: Ridge High School
Major: Music, Psychology
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Music of Black American Women
Favorite professor at Trinity: Douglas Johnson
Why I chose Trinity: I loved the campus and how obvious it was that the professors are there for the students and want them to succeed
Extracurricular activities: Trinity College Choir, Chapel Singers, The Dischords (A Cappella Group), EROS, Trinity College Democrats
What I love most about Trinity: Walking anywhere, I pass multiple that I know and feel comfortable saying “hi” to, the student body is very friendly and especially in the freshmen dormitories everyone bonds very fast. Also, the campus is great!
Professional goals/career plans: To be a High School Choir Director
Matthew.Piros@trincoll.edu
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Lee Pollard
Queens, New York
Trinity Class Of: 2011
High school: Poly Prep
Major: Global Studies
Minor: Film/Performing Arts
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Philosophy 101 with Dr.Brown
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Chatfield- Makes me as passionate as he is about history
Why I chose Trinity: The campus is beautiful and I appreciate the intimate environment.
Extracurricular activities: Pi Kappa Alpha, Multicultural Recruitment Intern
What I love most about Trinity: I love the close relationships I have with my professors.
Professional goals/career plans: Film Graduate School/ Law School
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Panida Pollawit
Queens, NY
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High School: Bronx High School of Science
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Japanese
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Philosophy of Mind
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Miyazaki, Atsuko
Why I chose Trinity: I was looking for a small school where I can get involved in different areas. When I visited Trinity, I also noted the many friendly faces and I soon became comfortable with the college so I decided to attend Trinity.
Extracurricular activities: Mock Trial, Shondaa Steppers, Resident Assistant, Jesters,
What I love most about Trinity: The beautiful campus and the proximity of all of the buildings.
Professional goals/career plans: I am unsure of my career but I definitely plan on furthering my education after I graduate from Trinity.
Panida.Pollawit@trincoll.edu
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Alexandra Powell
Westwood, MA
Year of graduation: 2012
High school: Ursuline Academy Dedham, MA
Major: International Studies (intended)
Minor: French (intended)
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Philosophy
Favorite professor at Trinity: Drew Hyland
Why I chose Trinity: The liberal arts education and beautiful campus.
Extracurricular activities: Model UN, French Club, Intramural Kickball
What I love most about Trinity: The close-knit community and the great professors.
Professional goals/career plans: I would love to someday work for the State Department or the United Nations.
Alexandra.Powell@trincoll.edu
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Sarah Quirk
Rumson, New Jersey
Year of graduation: 2011
High school: Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School
Major: Sociology
Minor: Hispanic Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Social Psychology
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Platoff
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity based on its academic standing as well as its small size.
Extracurricular activities: member of TCAC (Trinity College Activities Committee)
What I love most about Trinity: I love that you can’t go anywhere on campus without running into someone you know.
Professional goals/career plans: I am considering going to graduate school after Trinity, and ultimately want to work in the advertising business.
Sarah.Quirk@trincoll.edu
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Rachel Riendeau
Pawtucket, RI
Year of graduation: 2012
High school: Bishop Feehan High School
Majors: English/Creative Writing; Biology
Minor: InterArts (minor equivalent)
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Intro. to Creative Writing
Favorite professor at Trinity: They’re all great! Prof. Alison Draper especially advises me well.
Why I chose Trinity: Trinity has an outstanding creative writing program, as well as an exceptional science department in a liberal arts school, and students appreciate its varied academic opportunities. The location in the city and the opportunities for community service also greatly influenced my choice.
Extracurricular activities: Fencing Club, Biology Club, Neuman Club Connectikids tutoring, Hartford Catholic Worker House volunteer, Carillon Guild.
What I love most about Trinity: I love how simple and easy it is to get involved in community service, spiritual life, and other clubs and activities. The opportunities for meeting new people of different worldviews and learning are endless.
Professional goals/career plans: I plan to become a novelist, go to graduate school for nutritional health studies, and author and illustrate children’s books.
Rachel.Riendeau@trincoll.edu
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Rachel Rios
Milford, MA
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: Worcester Academy
Major: Public Policy and Law
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Social Class Social Clash
Favorite professor at Trinity: Robert Peltier
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity for a number of different reasons, one of which being that I was looking for a small liberal arts college that had a strong sense of community.
Extracurricular activities: women’s basketball
What I love most about Trinity: The people I have met so far and the campus
Professional goals/career plans: In regards to specific career plans after graduation, I am undecided as of yet. But, I have considered going into education.
rachel.rios@trincoll.edu
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Jonathan “Joey” Roberts
Mission Viejo, CA
Trinity Class Of: 2011
High school: Mission Viejo High School
Major: Political Science
Minor: Italian Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Reacting to the Past by Professor Henderson
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Kevin McMahon
Why I chose Trinity: The strong academics to go along with the prime urban location. I always said I would take advantage of my four years of college by expanding my comfort level outside of California and the west coast. To this day I am thankful that I stuck with my adventurous mindset.
Extracurricular activities: Director of Operations for Trinity Sports Network, Sports Columnist for the Tripod, ESPN Intern, Active Brother of Alpha Chi-Rho, and Campus Tour Guide
What I love most about Trinity: I love the networking possibilities that Trinity presents every student. The alumni-undergraduate relationship is extraordinary and makes Trinity students comfortable going into the workforce after graduating from college.
Professional goals/career plans: I plan on exploring all options that my ESPN internship brings me, which vary from sports analyst, to broadcasting or sports writing. If ESPN doesn’t pan out, a career with an NFL organization either as a scout or front office employee would be great. If all of that falls through then I will fall back on my love to teach. Coaching high school sports or teaching academic classes would be an enjoyable fall back.
Jonathan.Roberts@trincoll.edu
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Jake Robertson
Mansfield, MA
Trinity Class Of: 2010
High school: Mansfield High School
Major: English
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Modernism/ Modernity, Emergence of the Modern Mind
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because it had everything I was looking for in a college: dedicated professors; a vibrant, involved student body; and academic programs that would allow me to explore passions and interests that encompassed various disciplines.
Extracurricular activities: The Accidentals, The Chapel Singers, Musical Theatre Productions.
What I love most about Trinity: Trinity’s beauty, although immediately apparent when one first glimpses the striking campus, is found mostly in the people that live and work here. Of all the things that I love about Trinity, I love the people best. The connections I have made here with professors and friends of such diverse backgrounds, interests and experiences are truly remarkable. Above all, I love the freedom that Trinity affords for you to pursue your own creative and intellectual passions, while being surrounded always by mentors and friends who truly care about your success.
Professional goals/career plans: After Trinity, I hope to pursue English in graduate school and, eventually, write and teach professionally.
Gerard.Robertson@trincoll.edu
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Cassandra Sclafani
Bayville, NY
Year of graduation: 2011
High school: Friends Academy
Major: Modern Languages and Literature
Primary Concentration: Spanish
Secondary Concentration: Italian
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Linguistics 101
Favorite professor at Trinity: John Alcorn
Why I chose Trinity: The first thing that drew me to Trinity was its student body! I had the opportunity during my admissions process to be interviewed be a Trinity student. He informed me of the aspects of Trinity that weren’t so apparent by just attending a tour and an information session. He mentioned Trinity's commitment to community service within the Hartford community and an abundance of school spirit on campus. Trinity’s location was key as well. Being located in the capitol of Connecticut, the opportunities for work, internships, and exposure in general are endless. Lastly, there were the obvious draws like the breathtaking campus and the small classes, which allow for a unique and intimate learning process. All of the above are the reasons why I applied Early Decision to Trinity.
Extracurricular activities: I am an Alumni Ambassador, tour guide, I tutor as part of the Fox Elementary school program, and I was an orientation leader. I have taken part in Trinity’s music lessons program, and I have performed in many dance shows on campus including Spring Dance Concert, Spring Dancefest, and Winter Brew. I also along with seven other students had the opportunity to represent Trinity in the American College Dance Festival.
What I love most about Trinity: I love how Trinity professors not only serve as educational mentors but as friends by inviting students to do everything from visiting their homes for lunch, to babysitting their children.
Professional goals/career plans: If all goes according to plan, I aspire to become an interpreter!
Cassandra.Sclafani@trincoll.edu
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Nathan Sell
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
High School: Antilles School
Major: Undeclared (life sciences)
Minor: Undeclared
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: First Year Seminar (Bones, Pigments, and Native Metals with Prof. Maria Parr)
Why I chose Trinity: I was looking at small liberal arts schools in or near cities. I also wanted a school that had good natural science programs, and of course the beautiful campus helped me make my decision. When I visited in October 2005, I knew I would be happy at Trinity.
Extracurricular Activities: I am a member of the Caribbean Students Association, I volunteer at the Cinestudio, and I am a member of Hillel.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: I don’t know yet, but right now I am pre-health, and I am interested in veterinary medicine. I also would like to do biological research.
Nathan.Sell@trincoll.edu
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Jillian Steckloff
Framingham, MA
High School: Framingham High School
Major: Economics
Favorite Class Taken At Trinity: Economics 101
Why I Chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because I fell in love with the small, beautiful campus. I liked the small classes, the millions of clubs, and the sense of extreme school spirit.
Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Tennis, Interfaith Council
Professional Goals/Career Plans: I hope to one day be an ambassador to a foreign country.
Jillian.Steckloff@trincoll.edu
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Alli Stein
Pelham Manor, NY
Trinity Class Of: 2011
High school: Pelham Memorial High School
Major: Sociology
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Modern Material Culture with Professor Mangan
Favorite professor at Trinity: Theresa Morris
Why I chose Trinity: I was looking for a small liberal arts college where I could be challenged academically yet still have fun, and therefore considered many of the NESCAC colleges during my application process. Ultimately, Trinity’s beautiful campus and prestige won me over, and I applied early decision.
Extracurricular activities: I have been a member of Tributes, Inc. since my first semester here at Trinity, and I was a volunteer at HART (Hartford Areas Rally Together) as a sophomore. As a junior, I will be volunteering at John Dempsey Hospital, located in Farmington, CT.
What I love most about Trinity: I love that students at Trinity have the opportunity to integrate with the Hartford community, not only as an extracurricular activity but as a component of selected classes as well. I have worked with the citizens of Hartford throughout my time at Trinity, and it is a humbling and rewarding experience that I recommend to everyone.
Professional goals/career plans: Over the past few years, I have been lucky enough to intern for both a magazine and a fashion company, and I aspire to make a career working in either one of those fields. I would say to work at a magazine company in New York City is my ultimate goal. I suppose my interest in sociology and passion for design make this profession so appealing to me.
Allie.Stein@trincoll.edu
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Tamar Stevens
Lafayette, CA
Year of graduation: 2012
High school: Bentley High School
Major: Interdisciplinary Film Studies
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Intro to Film Studies
Favorite professor at Trinity: Laura Flores
Why I chose Trinity: Small Classes + School Spirit
Extracurricular activities: Club Tennis, Young Americans for Liberty, Hillel
What I love most about Trinity: The campus is beautiful, and my peers are amazing – they teach me so much. My largest class is 35 people and my teachers all know me by name. I feel like I matter and am really learning.
Professional goals/career plans: To have my own extremely successful company that casts film, television, and commercials.
Tamar.Stevens@trincoll.edu
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Brooke Teittinen
Duxbury, MA
High School: Duxbury High School
Major: English
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: Anthropology: Women and Gender
Favorite Professor at Trinity: Professor Nadel-Klein
Why I chose Trinity: Trinity has everything that I had been looking for: small, NESCAC size, beautiful atmosphere, challenging classes, great people.
Extracurricular Activities: Trinity Pipes
What I love most about Trinity: The people. My professors are helpful, the Chartwells workers are friendly, and the students are friendly and outgoing.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: Middle School/High School English Teacher.
Brooke.Teittinen@trincoll.edu
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Blake Tyler
Essex MA
Year of graduation: 2012
High school: Deerfield Academy
Major: Undecided
Favorite class taken at Trinity: First Year Seminar: Reacting to the Past
Favorite professor at Trinity: Frank Kirkpatrick
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because I was looking for a small liberal arts college that offered access to major cities in New England. I also wanted to live among people who were motivated to excel academically and make the most of their four years in college. The small college atmosphere that Trinity promotes also appealed to me in addition to the small classes and frequent faculty student interactions.
Extracurricular activities: Trinity College Investment Club (TCIC), Planning and Budget Committee (PBC)
What I love most about Trinity: My experience at Trinity has been highlighted by my interactions with faculty members both in and out of the classroom. I have enjoyed the compassion shown by professors in their efforts to be as accommodating as possible to first year students. Professors make themselves readily available and are willing to set aside time outside of class to meet the needs of their students. It is because of this that I feel as if I am part of something bigger than myself, further motivating me to get involved and make the most of my time at Trinity.
Professional goals/career plans: I am interested in Economics and hope to pursue a career in financial services.
Blake.Tyler@trincoll.edu
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Lily Ventrell
Denver, Colorado
Year of Graduation: 2010
High School: Saint Mary’s Academy
Major: Public Policy and Law
Concentrations: Human Rights and International Policy and Education Policy
Favorite class taken at Trinity: My Freshman Seminar Curiosity and Madness in English Literature with Professor Benedict. I felt instantly engaged in the curriculum and campus life. From day one my writing and analytical skills were broadened and these same classmates remain my closest friends on campus.
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Cabot has been a wonderful inspiration to me personally. His classes are always extremely engaging and challenging. He is wonderful at getting to know his students personally and helping them to discover the best path for them individually.
Why I chose Trinity: The Learning Corridor across the street provides a unique learning environment not found at other small liberal arts colleges. The first hand experience in the community has taught me more about myself than I could have imagined.
Extracurricular activities: Praxis, Best Buddies, Habitat For Humanity, Team Recruitment Chair for Relay for Life, Barista and Manager at the Underground Coffee House, Mentor and Program Coordinator for Rising Stars and Vision Academic Mentoring Programs at Hartford Magnet Middle School.
What I love most about Trinity: I love the Professors. Each Professor I have had has gone out of their way to challenge me inside and outside of the classroom. The Hartford community provides great hands on learning and with the support of the Professors I have encounter far more learning opportunities than I could ever have imagined.
Professional goals/career plans: I want to teacher Kindergarten and or Special Education for a few years, get my masters in Education Policy and my Ed Psych degree and become superintendent at an inner city school. I want to learn all about the community so that the school can provide the most for the students and their families. I also want to continue my life long education studying Spanish, French and sign language as well as Latin American and Immigration history.
Lily.Ventrell@trincoll.edu
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Reid Vineis
Columbus, Ohio
Trinity Class Of: 2010
High school: The Wellington School
Major: Political Science
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Mafia
Favorite professor at Trinity: Mark Silk
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because I knew I would get one-on-one interaction with great professors in a small class size. Coming from a small high-school, I wanted to be sure that my college professors thought of me as something more than just a number. At Trinity not only do professors know your name, but develop strong relationships with you, taking a deep interest in your academic success.
Extracurricular activities: Greenberg Center for the Study for Religion in the Public Life, College Republicans
What I love most about Trinity: Trinity goes out of its way to create a unique college experience for each student. Whatever your interest is, either in academics or extra-curricular activities, Trinity has it. Academically, you can create your own major in an original field or can minor in a field that combines two disciplines. I took what is called as an “open semester” where I wrote my own curriculum, had a full time job, and got a full semester’s worth of credit. Outside of the classroom, Trinity has it all. From fencing to fine arts, ice hockey to international cultures, there is an activity for everyone on campus.
Professional goals/career plans: I hope to be a political consultant working on campaigns and elections.
Reid.Vineis@trincoll.edu
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Victoria Webb
Washington, DC
Trinity Class Of: 2012
High school: National Cathedral School
Major: Art History or Political Science
Minor: English
Favorite class taken at Trinity: Intro to Comparitive Politics
Favorite professor at Trinity: Professor Del Puppo
Why I chose Trinity: I loved the campus the moment I stepped foot on it. The environment was perfect and reminded me of my high school but definitely seemed that it had a lot to offer me. I definitely recognized Trinity as a place that would help me begin my path in life and start me off on the right foot.
Extracurricular activities: ConnectiKids tutoring
What I love most about Trinity: Our beautiful campus, vivacious social scene and nurturing faculty.
Professional goals/career plans: I hope to find myself in a career where I can use my communication skills, but I’m definitely open to politics.
Victoria.Webb@trincoll.edu
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Holly Lynn Yarmosh
Boothbay Harbor, ME
High School: Boothbay Region High School
Major: Double in Theater/Dance and English
Favorite Class Taken at Trinity: My favorite class at Trinity has been Performance Art 307. It pushed my abilities as an actress and as a writer allowing me to create in ways that I never thought I could.
Favorite Professor at Trinity: My favorite Trinity Professor is Michael Burke. He is fun, passionate about his teaching and really cares for his students. I feel a new appreciation and understanding for what has been taught after every class with him.
Why I chose Trinity: I chose Trinity because of it’s beautiful welcoming campus and hospitable atmosphere. It had the appeal of a small liberal arts school overflowing with individual attention and the draw of a bustling urban culture simultaneously. It has many outlets for me to purse my passion for acting while achieving a liberal arts education.
Extracurricular Activities: Suzan Lori Parks: 365 Days/ 365 Plays Project, Widow of 18 Springs: Finnegan’s Wake Workshop, Role in Senior Thesis Video Performance, Role in Senior Project Video Performance, Do It Day
What I love most about Trinity: Everything! Trinity allows me to continue with everything that I enjoy doing. It has a welcoming community, a beautiful campus and a hardworking and fun atmosphere. The close vicinity to Hartford and other neighboring cities provide many opportunities and there is always something exciting happening on campus.
Professional Goals/Career Plans: After graduating from Trinity I want to pursue a degree in law. From there, I would aspire to begin a career as a television personality acting as a new anchor or a political analyst.
Holly.Yarmosh@trincoll.edu
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Lee Sinclair Ziesing
New Canaan, Connecticut
Year of graduation: 2011
High school: Taft School
Major: Sociology
Minor: Human Rights
Favorite class taken at Trinity: History of Human Rights and Africa
Favorite professor at Trinity: Dr. Emily Musil
Why I chose Trinity: I love the small liberal arts feeling of the school. Trinity is obviously a close-knit community, and I knew that was something I wanted to be a part of.
Extracurricular activities: I’m the Social Chair of TCAC, and I volunteer in the Labor and Delivery wing of the Hartford Hospital.
What I love most about Trinity: The people. I love how you recognize most of the people you pass on the way to class and that most of them aren’t just casual acquaintances, but friends.
Professional goals/career plans: I think I want to pursue something in the health field- either a nurse or perhaps a social worker or maybe even something more administrative and connected to human rights issues in medicine.
Lee.Ziesing@trincoll.edu
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