Keane Fajardo
Chicago, IL
Morton West High School & John F Kennedy High School
Majors:
Human Rights & Sociology
Minor:
Community Action
Why did you choose Trinity?
After looking over the pros and cons I chose Trinity because of the resources it offers students. In specific, the smaller class sizes allow you to have a 1:1 connection between professors as well as extra help whenever you need, and personally for me it was going to be a whole new experience. Yes, I was scared to leave my home in Chicago and move to the East Coast, but that was also exciting. It’s not always that someone can say I know what it’s like to live on the East Coast and Mid-West!
Favorite Class:
My favorite class so far would be Human Rights through Incarceration and Performance. This class was one of the reasons I chose one of my two majors. A Community Learning Initiative course or CLI course this class took place both in the classroom as well as a Maximum-Security Prison for Women! While studying how the Fine Arts in combination with restorative justice practices could rehabilitate returning citizens students were able to both see what this looked like in practice.
Favorite Professor:
Hard question to answer… I would have to give you two professors that have made a huge impact on my life and for very different reasons.
The first would be Prof. Carbonetti who is the chair of the Human Rights department. Prof. Carbonetti is one of my favorite professors because he has always been someone I could deeply trust as well as someone who always has the best interest in his students. As my advisor and professors, I was constantly pushed to do better and try new things that I liked.
The second would defiantly be Prof. Andersson in the Sociology Department. Not only has she been a great professor for my second major but she has also been an amazing mentor throughout my four years here at Trinity. Now as I am a senior looking back on my history at Trinity I see her at the highs and the lows of my life. I appreciate the last 3 years of guidance she has given me.
Extracurricular Activities:
La Voz Latina Vice President:
La Voz Latina is an organization on campus on campus where students, faculty, staff, Hartford residents, and many others can come together to learn, grow, and discuss more about what it means to be part of the LatinX community. Getting involved in LVL had always been on my radar even during the application process because I had heard such great things about the organization. Although Freshman year I was solely a member of the LVL General Body I have since then held the position of Social Media Specialist. Now only have I worked my way up to become part of the organization’s E-Board but I have come to find a strong and meaningful driving force as to why I love the organization. I have come to love what the organization stands for. Una familia grande que tiene tanto amor por todos las nacionalidades. A house that is what I would consider a safe space for all to come to when they are feeling lost on a campus that can at times feel divided. My time as part of LVL has made me appreciate more of what it means to be part of the LatinX community as well as how much change there is to be made so that marginalized racial, social, and ethnic groups can no longer be overlooked as being lesser.
FYSM Mentor:
This year I was recommended by a Trinity professor to be a first-year seminar Mentor meaning that I would be a direct guidance. Planning events, tours, and offering my knowledge of 3year in college I hope to help as much as possible and make some great friends.
Digital Media Club:
A club recently started by a prior senior and my close friend the Digital Media Club strives to create opportunities on campus to practice film and photography. Working with those who have years of experience and some who have just the general knowledge we hope to be able to teach the basics, connect students, and even bring to campus guest speakers from within the film industry.
What do you love most about Trinity?
This may just be a generic answer but I will always stand behind the class sizes here at Trinity. While most other college/universities have large general courses required whose classes are anywhere between 200-250 people! During my time here at Trinity I can say I’ve never had a class over 30 people. This has allowed me to really get to know the students in my classes as well as create deeper connections with faculty and staff.
What are your professional goals and/or career plans?
Currently my major career plans are still in the works. Since the spread of COVID-19 I’ve wanted to keep a flexible career path. Starting with grad school as option one in which case I plan to focus more on higher education. My second option, move towards joining a non-profit here in the East Coast. Thanks to Trinity’s vast connections I have been able to have more amazing connections to non-profit organizations here in Hartford and all-around Connecticut. My last option which is also something that I think would be the most adventurous would be to give back to the students entering higher education. I’ve always been interested in the admissions process not only here at Trinity but throughout all higher education colleges and universities. Being an Student Admissions Associate I feel like I am learning a lot and going into higher education will really allow me to use put these teaching to use. 😀
Favorite Place on Campus:
My personal go-to student spot is the Underground Coffeehouse. A student-run cafe that many of my friends know as a go-to location to socialize. While it may not be the quietest location to get your work done I consider it an amazing environment because it offers an uplifting vibe as well as great coffee. (An-every college student must have! Hahaha) Aside from the social scheme you can also find my enjoying my time out in the sun! Trinity’s campus has many green spaces where student are able to take virtual class/meetings from or even just enjoy their class reading on while lying in the grass.
Favorite Place in Hartford:
My favorite location in Hartford would have to be any of its fine dining! I personally can say I am a glutton for food and ethnic/traditional food… Hartford has it! Coming from a big city (Chicago) I fully never considered Hartford an “urban location” but rather a mini-city. That being said I took Trinity’s location state wise as having a major impact and benefit on my college experience. Although Hartford may be small you have New York City and Boston within a 3-hour drive. This made class trips and weekend excursions very different from what I would have known back in Chicago. It also meant that there were more opportunities for class outings, class projects, and the ability to visit historical sights.
What’s the most impactful/favorite book you’ve ever read?
One of my favorite & most impactful books I’ve ever read has to be any of the novel from the Crank series by Ellen Hopkins. This book although gruesome in its explicit illustration of drug, alcohol, and sexual abuse really sets the stage for discussing the dark and dirty. Crank has frequently banned and challenged in the United States because of drugs, offensive language, and being sexually explicit. The first time I read the series was in my senior year of Highschool and it really opened my eyes to many different issues faced by high school and college students. Overall it left me with a new perspective and heavy heart. Defiantly not a read for the weak of heart, still would recommend trying it out though!
What advice do you have for prospective students applying to college?
Take the time to look into what you want and get to know yourself better. What type of environment do you excel and grow the best under? What type of location do you enjoy? Remember that growth isn’t just academic but social, emotional, mental, and physical. At any college, you are applying to there will always be pros and cons but in the end, the only thing that matters is the answer to the following question, “What type of future do I want, and can this college/university offer me the opportunities I need to succeed?”
What’s one thing you wish you knew before coming to college?
I don’t think this is something I wish I knew but rather I wish I believed the upperclassmen when they told me that the next four years pass by in a blink. It’s my senior year and I do not regret anything I just wish I could have lived in the moment just a tad bit longer. I would defiantly tell my past self to have fun, try new things and even when you think it may be a lot of work try it anyway. You never know who you’ll end up meeting or where you may end up.
