Neve Rivera ’20
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Major: International Studies & Educational Studies
Why did you join the multicultural requirement team?
I joined the Multicultural Recruitment Team (MRT) because of the opportunity offered at hand to engage in shaping Trinity’s community. Truthfully, I was not familiar with the team until the winter of my first year. However, after learning about the hands-on experience available to interact with prospective students and assist the admissions staff to coordinate programing that address recruitment for students from historically underrepresented groups, I knew it was a community I wanted to join.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your first semester on campus?
The biggest lesson I learned from my first semester on campus was to take advantage of the one-on-one learning opportunities offered at Trinity with professors. Prior to Trinity, I never knew how valuable being in a small community could be. Trinity embodies what it means to engage in a very intimate learning experience over the course of four years and into “life beyond the Longwalk”. For instance, having the privilege to walk into my professor’s office hours or regularly meet with administrators allowed me to develop strong relationships with members of this campus who are well-established themselves in academia and are willing to serve as my mentor.
How has a liberal arts education fostered your thinking? What class impacted you the most?
A liberal arts education has allowed me to explore a variety of diverse subjects while also being able to specialize in an area catered to my interests and passions. The most fascinating part is sitting next to my peers majoring in neuroscience or economics while being in an educational studies course. You are immediately challenged to address educational studies from multiple perspectives and experiences. Additionally, at Trinity you are more than just a student; our liberal arts education supports students to be a leader, a critical thinker, a community member, and so much more.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Over the course of my four years I have met individuals, professors, peers, administrators, and community leaders who have left an everlasting impact on my life from the joy, ambition, dedication, and humility they express. I hope to do the same for others. Whether that is through my leadership as President of La Voz Latina, being a good lister, or simply being a supportive friend.
How has the city of Hartford impacted your college experience?
Coming from Chicago I knew I wanted to go to a college in an urban location. I wanted a location that provided opportunities to go off campus and engage in enriching activities, such as a variety of cultural parades, food markets, museums, restaurants, etc. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed from my courses or planning my next steps post graduating, I walk around Hartford. The city brings me back to reality by reminding me of the endless opportunities and time to explore the type of impact I want to make in the world.
If you were a fruit what fruit would you be?
I have to go with a watermelon. Growing up, my family knew I had (and continue to have) a love for watermelon. They would always tell me, “if you continue to eat so much watermelon, you’re going to turn into one.” Well…here I am. Watermelon is just the ultimate summer snack and with a “splash” of Tajin? Game over.
Favorite Hartford memory?
My favorite Hartford memory is the summer of 2018 when I went to the Hartford Puerto Rican parade with a group of friends. Hartford has a large Caribbean population with a variety of rich cultures. The city comes together every summer to celebrate and empower Puerto Rican history. The food was great, the weather was perfect, the energy was high. Everything about this day pulled me closer to the city of Hartford as it reminded me of my home and the Puerto Rican population in Chicago.
Who is your favorite professor?
Professor Daniel Douglas and Professor Lestz, hands down! Professor Douglas has possibly been the best thing that has happened to my academic career and confidence. I always feel so encouraged, enlightened, supported, and empowered leaving his class and office hours. He is passionate about his own contribution to academia but also prioritizes the growth and achievement of his students. As for Professor Lestz, his legacy will always carry weight at Trinity. He is the reason I have such a vibrant travel bug to explore the world. I will never forget the companionship I built and laughs I shared with Professor Lestz as we trekked through the Himalayan mountains for two weeks during my first year.
