Alumni Interviews
How do Trinity graduates reflect on their liberal arts learning? What advice do they wish they had heard years ago? Many thanks to Trinity alumni who kindly agreed to be interviewed and publicly share their stories and advice with current students. If you graduated from the Educational Studies Program or St. Joseph’s teacher preparation program, and would like to share your experiences on working in fields such as education, youth development, community organizations, or related areas, email the Director of the Ed Studies Program to arrange to be interviewed by a student.
Cara Midlige ’17, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Cara discusses teaching 3rd grade in the Bronx NYC, curriculum planning for literacy and technology, her experience in Teach For America and decision to stay in her school, and the long-term value of liberal arts learning.
Emily Meehan ’16, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, March 2022. Emily discusses her shift from teaching elementary school in Rhode Island to education policy analysis at the Massachusetts Department of Education, her experience with Teach for America and a master’s program at Brown University, and her community-learning experiences in Hartford.
Elaina Rollins ’16, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program, Trinity College, March 15, 2022. Elaina discusses teaching second grade in New York City and Chicago, her experience with charter schools, learning about educational policy and classroom teaching, and the value of summer work and community-learning experiences in Hartford.
Danyelle Doldoorian ’14, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, March 22, 2022. Danyelle discusses teaching math and coaching at a boarding school in New Jersey, how critical thinking and writing influenced her teaching, her experiences with community placements in Hartford, and mentoring and tutoring at Trinity.
Begaeta (Nukic) Ahmic ’11, interviewed by Azka Hassan ’23, for Educational Studies Program, Trinity College, March 19, 2022. Begata discusses teaching high school math, coaching other teachers, the UConn master’s preparation program, her experience as an immigrant to Hartford, and her undergraduate research experience.
Keisha (John) Morris ’08, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Keisha discusses her work as a managing director of operations for a charter school network, supporting students, families, and teachers, building educational systems, and her liberal arts learning about the policy and psychology of education.
Kate (McEachern) Bermingham ’07, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Kate discusses teaching elementary and special education in Hartford and Wethersfield CT, the University of St. Joseph teacher preparation program, balancing work and family, and how her liberal arts education broadened her view of learning.
Jessica Wagner ’07, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Jessica discusses her administrative role at the National Summer School Initiative non-profit start-up, curriculum design and professional development, her prior experience in charter school management, and the value of critical thinking skills from her liberal arts education.
John Bonhom ’03, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. John discusses his work in external affairs, communications, development, admissions, and diversity at the Indian Creek independent school in Maryland, connecting with families about financial aid, and his experience with Admissions and PRIDE at Trinity.
Luke Forshaw ’03, interviewed by Karolina Barrientos ’22, for the Educational Studies Program at Trinity College, Hartford CT, April 2022. Luke discusses his experience as a psychology major and the University of St. Joseph teacher preparation program, his development from an elementary school teacher to principal in Darien CT, and graduate work at Teachers College at Columbia University, and his continuing role in teaching teachers.
