Name: Aida Haile
Major and year: Public Policy & Law and Human Rights Studies
Organizations involved in: HMTCA Tutoring and Mentoring, Trinity Community Care Project, Community Action Gateway Program, Public Humanities Collaborative, Trinity Community Service Office
How did you first get involved with the Center for Hartford Engagement and Research (CHER)? What initially inspired you to participate in community learning or civic engagement initiatives?
I was first involved with CHER through the Community Action Gateway Program in my freshman year. In high school, I was president of our Service League Organization, where I planned and facilitated community events within Philadelphia. In high school, I truly cultivated my passion for social justice and community engagement. Starting my time at Trinity with a community-building learning experience was a great transition and start to growing my passions.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work with CHER, the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, or HMTCA Partnerships?
The most rewarding part of my work is the people you meet throughout each experience you participate in. Whether it is a fellow student, faculty member, or community member, you always meet someone new and create a bonding experience out of it. Everyone comes from different walks of life, so it is special to have spaces to learn from each other.
Can you share a memorable experience or story from your involvement with CHER?
The most memorable experience I have had from CHER was witnessing two students I tutor graduate from high school and go to college. Seeing how much they evolved in their academic and social passions was truly a sight to see. They were bright and amazing students when I first met them, and it was so meaningful to see them continue to grow in those qualities over the past two years.
How has your role in CHER allowed you to connect with the Hartford community?
My role in CHER has allowed me to connect with the Hartford community through consistent and intentional opportunities. The programming I have completed through CHER has provided structure to my academics while remaining flexible to my schedule, and allowed me to have a more meaningful participation with the Hartford community. Therefore, the connections I have made through the community are long-lasting and strong, which truly makes my Trinity experience worthwhile.
What skills have you developed through your involvement with CHER and community engagement?
I have improved my public speaking skills, especially learning to recognize my goals and my audience. Another skill I’ve learned is how to expand my curiosity. Whenever I am joining an event or opportunity, whether it is a gardening event or filling out tax forms, I try to ask as many questions as possible.
How has your involvement with CHER influenced your future goals or career aspirations?
My involvement with CHER has innfluenced me to be committed to a type of work that keeps me grounded and intentional. I hope to pursue law school after Trinity, where I hope to concentrate on international human rights law. From there, I hope to use my knowledge in legal education and community restorative practices, community organizations, or advocacy groups all around the world. Moreover, I want to use my experience through the Public Humanities Collaborative and Community Action gateway program to collect and preserve archival research for vulnerable communities. I am very interested in archival research that highlights the unsung heroes in communities and spreading new ideas on supporting their voices
What motivates you to stay active in community engagement efforts?
What motivates me to stay active in community engagement efforts is knowing how much the Hartford community has given to me. From the diverse food options, amazing music concerts, splendid art murals, and the beautifully preserved nature walks, I’ve been truly exposed to so many wonders within the city. I have gained a mindset over time at Trinity to give back to the community as much as they have given me. CHER helps me fulfill these goals using my passion and strongest skills.
Who or what has been the biggest influence on your journey with CHER?
The biggest influences at Trinity have been Liliana Polley and Erna Alic. I began tutoring at HMTCA my freshman year, when there were only five tutors and seven students. From there, Liliana and Erna completely transformed the program, where they maintained the same mission and evolved its potential within and outside of HMTCA. I am so grateful to have spent three years working with them; their dedication to the CHER office does not go unnoticed.
There are truly no bounds to what you participate in CHER, so definitely put yourself out there and join their events! The Hartford community has so many events, and they truly love getting to know Trinity Community! You will meet so many amazing people and get so many benefits down the line!
