Dana Parker
Indianapolis, Indiana
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Major(s): Psychology and Human Rights
Why did you choose Trinity? I chose Trinity for three reasons. First off, the Human Rights program stood out to me as an academic option that I did not find at any other institution. As the oldest of its kind in the country, Trinity’s Human Rights department is well connected with alumni and community organizations and nonprofits that I knew would guide me during my time at Trinity navigating internships, research, and post-grad options. The location in Hartford also drew me to Trinity. There are so many ways to engage with the community, and the abundance of volunteer options has really enhanced my connection with the surrounding area and my experiential learning opportunities. Finally, Trinity stood out to me as a school where I would never be limited in my social circles. I have created so many smaller communities outside of my roommates and closest friends because there are so many ways to get involved on campus. Everyone is busy with very different things based on their passions and it is easy to commit to multiple activities or clubs, which makes everyone’s Trinity experience so unique.
Favorite Class: “The Performance of The Incarcerated” is a Human Rights course that really solidified my major. For part of the class we learned about the US Prison System and the injustices intertwined with capital punishment, and the other portion of the class was dedicated to working in person with women involved with the prison’s art class. We worked with the prison’s art class workshopping poems, short stories, and letters and then presented them at the end of the semester. This was an incredibly humanizing experience and I would encourage anyone to push themselves out of their comfort zone and take this course. My senior psychology thesis is actually centered around art rehabilitation for formerly incarcerated individuals who have recently re-entered society. I could not have had this opportunity anywhere other than Trinity because of the partnership we have with the prison.
Favorite Professor: This is an impossible question. My advisors, Professor Carbonetti and Professor Anselmi, could not be more attuned to my academic hopes, and I have been supported by both of them throughout my four years. Every semester I connect with a new professor who seems to take me under their wing. Most recently Professor Alcorn, who taught my formal organizations class, and Professor Euraque, in the history department, have really helped me feel confident in my academic abilities and have pushed me to be the best possible student. I love that at Trinity I can establish relationships with professors who don’t even teach in my area of study, and those professors also become mentors on campus who are eager and willing to write my letters of recommendation and help me explore new areas of interest.
Cocurricular Activities: In addition to working in admissions for the last four years, I am involved in other areas on campus as well. I have been the Vice President of one of Trinity’s non-Greek sororities, The Stella Society, for the past year, and now I am the Panhellenic representative. I am working to mandate bystander and bias training for Greek life and have really benefitted from the leadership roles that have stemmed from my involvement in Greek life. I am a peer mentor through ConnectiKids, an afterschool program that brings elementary students on to Trinity’s campus, and I have worked in and out of the community service office for the past four years. I am the former Vice President of Amnesty International and am also involved with the studio arts at Trinity!
What do you love most about Trinity? I love the academic freedom that I have at Trinity. Students who share my Human Rights or Psychology major will have entirely different experiences based on their individual passions and interests. We have so many options in terms of class options, study abroad opportunities, and extra curriculars. There is no limit to what a student can tackle in their four years, whether in terms of athletics, academics, clubs, internships, or other leadership roles. I never imagined going abroad my freshman year, nor did I think that I could complete internships for credit while tackling a full course load as a full-time student. Trinity really makes dreams a reality for students if you take advantages of the resources, experiences, and mentors that you are surrounded with. There are so many people in place for students to do well, whether an academic advisor, first-year advisor, first-year mentor, assigned research librarian, nest advisor, nest dean, and the list goes on! I have found my community in many places on campus, and I have really relied on those support systems during my undergraduate career.
What are your professional goals and/or career plans? I am pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work! I hope to work with underserved children in some capacity. Trinity has absolutely instilled the value of life-long learning and I have been so supported by my Professors, even ones who have never had me as a student. I have been so well connected with knowledgeable community members and alumni that have helped me discover the best programs for my human rights and psychology background.
Favorite Place on Campus: I do my best work in Peter B’s, which is one of our two on campus coffee shops. There is a smaller glass window seating space that is always open early in the mornings. I’m a morning person, so on Saturdays, when I have essays to write, I head to the library before it gets too busy, order a coffee and piece of pumpkin bread, and get ahead of my work. I like to sit in Peter B’s during the week, too, because it’s a social place to be while also having a calming place to study!
Favorite Place in Hartford: I absolutely love the city of Hartford; it has connected me with so many incredible internship and volunteer opportunities that I could not find elsewhere. My go-to off campus spot is the Hartford Reservoir, which is a great place to walk or run with friends on weekends when the weather is nice. It is a beautiful outdoor spot that has been a great escape during COVID and social distancing protocols. I also love, love, love Mozzicato Depasquale Bakery and Pastry Shop, which is just a five-minute drive from school. My roommates and I love to go after dinner for dessert or on Sundays for a cappuccino and pastry while we do homework. The owners could not be more friendly, the food more delicious, and it is a great place to take a study break.
What’s the most impactful/favorite book you’ve ever read? Anything by Kristen Hannah! Firefly Lane and The Great Alone are two books that I wish that I could read for the first time over and over again. I absolutely love to read and have quite the extensive book recommendation list.
What advice do you have for prospective students applying to college? I would recommend for prospective students to reach out to current students at colleges and universities that they are interested in attending. It is really valuable to hear from like-minded students to better understand their undergraduate path and everyday life. Information sessions and tours are incredibly informative, but I will say that it is most impactful to connect with current students to better understand what your life could look like as a potential student at a college. Do not be afraid to ask questions and advocate for yourself. It is important to put your needs first and do whatever possible to make sure that you will be happiest at the college of your choice, and there are so many people in place to help you make that decision.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before coming to college? I wish I knew that I didn’t need to rush anything. The major that best first your interests, the friends that you most connect with, the activities you most enjoy will all fall into place, and it definitely won’t happen immediately. It is all about enjoying the process of finally feeling comfortable, at home, and confident in your pursuits and it goes by in the blink of an eye
