Andres Rodriguez ’24

Hometown: Yonkers, NY
Majors: Neurobiochemistry
E-mail: [email protected]

Why did you join the Multicultural Recruitment Team?

I joined the Multicultural Recruitment Team because I want to help breach the historical barriers that have prevented high school students from diverse backgrounds from pursuing higher education. By being an MRT intern, I am forging a path for qualified applicants who, like myself, have faced struggle and adversity throughout their lives.

What is the biggest lesson you learned from your first semester on campus?

The biggest lesson I learned was that college comes with stress, even more so during a global pandemic. Feeling overwhelmed is a valid emotion and learning to reach out when you need help is a key survival skill for any college student.

How has the city of Hartford impacted your college experience?

Due to Covid-19, my experience with the city has been limited thus far, but I believe Hartford is the ideal place for me as it will enable me to engage with my community in a sophisticated urban setting that does not resemble the overwhelming concrete jungles of my home state, New York. One of the main reasons I chose Trinity was because of its proximity to Harford Hospital and the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. As someone who is passionate about medicine and community involvement, I saw this as an amazing opportunity. Hartford has something for students of all disciplines, and I look forward to becoming more involved around the city.

What has your first year in college been like during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Covid-19 has created a unique academic environment. With isolation and change came stress. However, it also allowed for the development of new skills. Though I wish my first year would have been normal, I am not upset as to how it panned out. Overall, it has been a fulfilling experience!

If you were a fruit what fruit would you be? 

I would be a kiwi.

Who is your favorite professor? 

My neuroscience research professor, Sally Seraphin. Her mentorship has opened my mind to the importance of research and its application to real world problems.

What brings you the most joy on campus during stressful times?

Laying on the quad with friends on a nice day, drinking iced tea from Peter B’s, and listening to music.