Adam Minahan ’23
Hometown: Keene, NH
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Film Studies
Extracurricular Involvement: Entertainment Activities Council (EAC) Barnyard, Club Soccer, Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
Email: [email protected]
Why did you join the Diversity and Access Team?
I find the Diversity and Access Team’s (DAT) mission to be the perfect description of why I joined the team. Our goal is to cultivate a community that is distinctly diverse and culturally inclusive in order to build a campus that is truly representative of the world in which we live. I find it especially important during these times to actively engage with all communities around us to become the worldly, intellectual students Trinity expects of us. DAT is one of the many opportunities on campus where I can directly impact future generations of students and support current students on campus by being an asset for all cultural organizations and bodies on campus. It is an honor to serve on DAT and be a representative for inclusion on campus.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your first semester on campus?
After my first semester, my greatest lesson is that academia in general is an opportunity. The resources, knowledge, and perspectives are abundant here at Trinity, but accessing those options is on myself as a student. Opportunities are consistently being presented to the student body and I quickly learned that they can open future paths never imagined. Although this may seem obvious, it was surprising to see these opportunities fade away and to see the possibilities that were lost. Courage and patience will always solidify your goals, so take advantage whenever available.
How has a liberal arts education fostered your thinking? What class impacted you the most?
Being a double STEM major at a liberal arts institution provides a unique perspective and builds a fundamentally stronger education overall. While I can still achieve my goals as both an engineer math major through research, internships, and laboratory work, I can also have access to high quality liberal arts classes that complete a holistic body of education. For example, although most of my classes have been of math and science concentrations due to my majors, I took Intro to Film Studies as a distribution requirement for my first year. I ended up being so highly engaged and fascinated with the class that I am most likely going to declare an interdisciplinary minor in Film Studies. Had I not attended Trinity, I may have never found my secret passion for cinema and filmmaking.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to leave Trinity having completed two major contributions. Firstly, being on DAT, I hope to work with the rest of the interns and Admissions to continue fostering the inclusive community Trinity and Hartford possesses and further augment the progress this team has made throughout its existence. Secondly, I hope to work with other organizations on campus, like Barnyard and QUEST who also have a direct impact on the student body in various ways. Being able to work with these organizations on a social and professional level will help continue to establish Trinity as one of the premier academic institutions in the country. Furthermore, after graduation, I want to continue my support for the college that catapults me into my future as a proud alumnus, as the current alumni have more than adequately demonstrated.
How has the city of Hartford impacted your college experience?
I have lived in New England for most of my life and I find that New Englanders tend to forget about Hartford when it comes to major cities in the area. Yet Hartford is just as dynamic and engaging as any other major city, and being a student immersed within the city has only bolstered my engagement with Trinity and beyond. Even as a first-year, Hartford has provided me connections and outreach that would be nonexistent elsewhere, such as future job opportunities and community networks. The relationship I build with Hartford now will last a lifetime and I am beyond grateful for this student-city alliance.
If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
Out of the entirety of the animal kingdom, I would be a prairie dog. I honestly have no good reason other than the fact they are just extremely chill animals and live in packs with their best friends. Just Google these creatures and you will see what I mean.
What areas of campus makes you feel at home?
Whenever I set up my hammock on the Main Quad between a pair of trees, I feel like I am back in the forests and mountains of New Hampshire. The hammock is a calm and quiet environment that is the best place to read or relax before having to go back to the hustle of college.
What brings you the most joy on campus during stressful times?
Whenever I am feeling more stressed than usual, being on a small campus allows me to find my friends quickly and easily. A quick walk from my dorm or around the library is bound to result in me running into a friend or two, and that always lightens up my mood. The connections you build on campus are strong and long-lasting, so knowing there are always people out there for you in close proximity alleviates negative energy.
