A Conversation with Hartford Promise Scholar Tiana Starks ’21 and Walter Harrison ’68, H’18

Trinity College student Tiana Starks ’21 spoke recently with Hartford Promise about her experience making the transition from Hartford’s Global Communications Academy to the Trinity campus. “Every time I went on Trinity’s campus, I felt a sense of belonging,” she said. The sociology major and community action minor talked about what it’s like to be a college student in the time of COVID-19 and what her educational journey means to her. See the full video below.

Hartford Promise, a college scholarship and college success program for Hartford public school students, hosted the virtual conversation between Starks, a Hartford Promise scholar and a member of the Hartford Promise Board of Directors, and Trinity Board of Trustees member Walter Harrison ’68, H’18, who is also the Hartford Promise Board co-chair.

When talking about what advice she would offer future Promise Scholars, Starks said, “Always ask questions. Never, never, ever feel like you don’t belong… because we are here to create change and wherever you end up, it’s because you belong there. You have the drive. You did the work. You have the confidence. You are who you are, and that’s where you’re supposed to be.”

Starks added that her personal long-term goals for after graduation from Trinity include becoming mayor of Hartford or superintendent of Hartford schools. In the meantime, she wants to help local students pursue educational opportunities and access the tools they need to succeed.