Happy New Year and welcome to a new semester!  This newsletter highlights CHER’s Fall 2024 semester in review, and provides updates on our work to strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships between Trinity and Hartford.

We wish Laura Minor all the best as she recently decided to step down from her position as Director of Academic programs at CHER. As sad as we were to see her go, this departure gave us the opportunity here at CHER to do a bit of restructuring to build on the enormous talents of our staff. It is with great pleasure, then, that we can join Sonia Cardenas, Dean of Faculty here at Trinity, in announcing the following changes:

• On the academic side, Erica Crowley has been promoted to Senior Director and Instructor of CHER Academic Programs.  She will oversee the Center’s academic programs and work closely with Derin Atalay, who has been promoted to Director of the Liberal Arts Action Lab.

• On the co-curricular side, Liliana Polley has been promoted to Executive Director of CHER.  She will continue leading co-curricular initiatives and major strategic partnerships (including with HMTCA), now also overseeing daily operations and management of CHER.

Many thanks also to the entire staff, whose dedication and talent account for CHER’s vitally impactful work: Erna Alić (Program Manager of CHER), Joe Barber (Director of Community Service and Civic Engagement), and Karolina Barrientos (Program Manager of Trinfo.Café and Community Relations).  The CHER Advisory Board and Faculty Advisory Board also play crucial roles in supporting the work of the Center and its team.

Trinity Receives Mellon Foundation Grant to Support Environmental Justice in Hartford

We are thrilled to announce the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Higher Learning program which will support a groundbreaking project on Urban Environmental Justice in Hartford, a collaboration between Trinity’s Center for Hartford Engagement and Research (CHER), the Center for Caribbean Studies (CCS), the Center for Urban and Global Studies (CUGS) and Hartford-based partners the Stowe Center for Literary Activism and the Center for Leadership and Justice/Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance. The 3-year project will examine the historical land-use decisions that have disproportionately impacted Latine and Black residents in Hartford, building regional consensus to address challenges brought about by that history. Read more here.

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Linnea Mayo ’26

Major and year: Human Rights and Public Policy & Law, Community Action Minor 
Organizations involved in: Women of Color + Coalition (Co-Founder) Trinity Students Against Mass Incarceration (Direct Aid Chair) Trinity Community Care Project (Co-President) Trinity Social Justice Institute (Student Coordinator) Trinity Tripod (Executive A&E Editor) 

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 first got involved with CHER through the Community Action Gateway because of my passion for social justice and grassroots organizing. My experience in CACT immediately inspired me and taught me the power of ethical community engagement and the importance of building authentic relationships with community organizations. In my second semester, I worked with the Connecticut Black and Brown Student Union where I helped research school resource officers and supported a community-led advocacy campaign. 

This experience deepened my understanding of how research can empower communities and influence change and led me to continue to pursue community learning courses at Trinity. I worked with the RE Center and conducted community-based research on racial equity teams for the Community Learning Research Fellows program, and more recently served as a First Year Mentor for the Community Action Gateway. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your work with CHER, the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, or community learning? 
The most rewarding part of my work with CHER has been the opportunity to engage with a wide array of community partners and organizations in Hartford, both through my community learning courses, work in the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement, and as a CHER Fellow. I’ve loved working alongside organizations, advocacy groups, and individuals to align my academic research and interests in criminal justice reform with practical solutions that work directly within the community. Also as one of the first two students to be a Community Engagement Fellow, I’ve enjoyed the agency and freedom I’ve been provided to collaborate with my co-Fellow and the hands-on role we play in all events, outreach, and community partnerships. 

Can you share a memorable experience or story from your involvement with CHER?
A memorable experience was returning to the CACT gateway as a First Year Mentor working with Professor Nelson and all the students this last semester. I loved getting to know the first-year students and seeing how their involvement and interest in community engagement grew. I’m grateful for the students’ consistent engagement and dedication to the work and especially enjoyed our CACT Dinner at American and Mexican Diner. By the end of the semester, the students also created videos showcasing parks, art spaces, and cafes around campus, and I loved watching all the work they had done be compiled and utilized by CHER.  CACT was definitely my favorite class and experience at Trinity, and shaped how I engaged with the Trinity and Hartford community. Working as a mentor reinforced the invaluable lessons and discussions that CACT provides. 

What was your favorite event or project as a CE Fellow?
My favorite event as a Community Engagement Fellow was when we collaborated with Real Art Ways to bring students to their monthly Creative Cocktail Hour. This was our first community collaboration and partnership, and I greatly appreciated all of the support we received from Real Art Ways to make it as successful as it was. The event itself had a great turn out and all students were actively engaged in all it had to offer. I loved speaking with and getting to know our community partners during the event, and learning of all the resources and events available to Trinity students. It was a fun evening of immersing and educating myself and others on the Hartford arts scene, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen community partnerships like this.

I also really enjoyed coordinating the CHER Mixer at The Underground last fall. It brought together students from different CHER involvements and built a community. It was a great way to showcase the important work that CHER students are doing. I enjoyed expanding on this and bringing the Hartford Public Library into our 2025 CHER Mixer, and I hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

Is there a specific community project or partnership that stands out as particularly impactful for you?
An impactful community project was working with the Connecticut Black and Brown Student Union through the Community Action Gateway during my freshman year. I partnered with their #carenotcops campaign to advocate against policing in schools and our group helped get S.B. 1095 called and passed onto the Senate floor and House of Representatives. This work taught me a lot about effective campaign organizing and I loved researching case studies of bills and campaign strategies of school resource officers in Oakland, CA, and Detroit, MI. I also grew a love of interviews and enjoyed conducting interviews with administration, educators, and community organizers to gain valuable information on campaign strategies. 

This semester, I’ve also coordinated the Trinity Community Care Project’s BackPack Nutrition Program in collaboration with Hands on Hartford, which has been very impactful. Thanks to support from Joe Barber in the Community Service Office, I’ve coordinated, bagged, and delivered backpacks for students experiencing food insecurity in Hartford. Every week I look forward to connecting with the Hands-on Hartford staff and learning from their invaluable initiatives. Being involved in this work has deepened my understanding of how race, class, and power intersect in shaping access to resources and emphasized the impact of grassroots social change. 

How has your role in CHER allowed you to connect with the Hartford community?
As a Community Engagement Fellow, my role has provided me with numerous opportunities to deepen my connection to the Hartford community. Through this position, I’ve gained a broader understanding of the city’s initiatives, organizations, and the diverse opportunities it offers. I’m continuously finding and exposed to a wide range of events and programs happening in Hartford, which has helped me stay informed about the culture and initiatives within the community. This has encouraged me to actively participate in community events and has allowed me to build meaningful relationships, making Hartford a place I can truly call home. 

What skills have you developed through your involvement with CHER and community engagement?
As a Community Engagement Fellow, I’ve developed a lot of event planning skills through all of the outreach, preparation, and facilitation that coordinating 3-4 monthly events per semester entails. This has honed my abilities in time management, logistical planning, and attention to detail, all while working under deadlines. My involvement in the Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement has enhanced my leadership skills, and collaborating with different students, faculty, and community members has improved my ability to lead projects, delegate tasks effectively, and communicate. Another significant area of growth has been in community-based research and analysis. 

My work with CHER’s Community Learning courses has given me hands-on experience conducting research. I’ve also learned how to design research projects and create community-driven initiatives. This experience has strengthened my critical thinking and analytical abilities and given me a deeper understanding of how research can be a powerful tool for social change.

How has your involvement with CHER influenced your future goals or career aspirations?
My work with CHER has reinforced my passion for social advocacy and provided me with the tools and support to continue pursuing justice. Through CHER, I’ve learned how community engagement and grassroots efforts can drive systemic change. As I pursue a career in law, I hope to continue to work with community and legal aid organizations aimed at addressing issues of mass incarceration in the criminal justice system. CHER has reinforced my desire to work at the intersection of direct client support and policy reform, ensuring that those impacted by the criminal justice system have access to justice and effective resources. 

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your journey with CHER? 
The biggest influence on my journey with CHER has been the incredible staff, faculty, and community organizations who have contributed to the organization’s success. Their dedication, support, and passion for the work they do challenge me to grow and engage in meaningful ways. The consistent support from Erica Crowley, Karolina Barrientos, Joe Barber, and all other members of the CHER Advisory Board has allowed CHER to truly become one of my favorite communities on campus. I greatly appreciate their ongoing guidance and mentorship, and their work inspires me to be a better student leader and organizer. 

What advice would you give to students interested in becoming involved with CHER or similar organizations?
If you’re interested in getting involved with CHER or similar organizations, my advice would be to not let the idea of research or community organizing intimidate you. It might seem daunting at first, but it’s important to build connections and learn along the way. A big part of the process is developing relationships with community partners. Take time to get to know them and understand their goals. When you invest in these relationships, you can ensure your research is not only more impactful but also truly responsive to what the community needs. Community engagement requires collaboration and mutual respect, and it will make the experience much more rewarding for everyone involved! Also, if you’re looking for an easy first step, go to a Community Fellow event or just get off campus to see all that Hartford has to offer! I promise you won’t regret it and it will make your experience at Trinity much more meaningful. 

What motivates me to stay active is the value that community engagement brings, whether that means fostering relationships, amplifying voices, or addressing important social issues! It’s really inspiring to witness and learn how collective action creates change. Community engagement goes beyond just building relationships, it’s about working together to create an environment where every voice is heard, and everyone’s actions have a meaningful role!

The post Student Highlight: Linnea Mayo Making an Impact On and Off Campus appeared first on Center for Hartford Engagement and Research.

For our first “Out and About in Hartford” event of the semester, we invited students to the Hartford Puerto Rican Day Festival in Bushnell Park in collaboration with Promoting  Respect for Inclusive Diversity in Education (P.R.I.D.E)  and Bantam Network. The Hartford Puerto Rican Day Festival is an annual celebration of Puerto Rican culture, featuring music, food, dance, and much more at Bushnell Park. Through our collaboration with PRIDE, they were able to provide transportation for our students, ensuring they had access to this incredible cultural event. Bantam Network played a crucial role in promoting the event, helping us spread the word and connect with a wider audience, especially those interested in exploring diversity within the Hartford community. Their support of advertising was instrumental in ensuring a strong turnout and increased awareness of the festival’s significance. Students were provided a gift card to use at the wide variety of vendors and were able to enjoy live music at the Bushnell Stage. 

On October 25th, 2024, we had our second “Out and About” in Hartford event, where we first visited The Russell, a Caribbean restaurant, to enjoy a nice dinner and conversation together. Afterward, we headed to Hartford Stage to watch the thrilling performance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This event was particularly valuable for many first-year theatre students, offering them the chance to gain valuable insights and learn from the complexities of a live theatrical performance. Through this outing, participants not only explored the city’s food scene but also gained a deeper appreciation for the power of live performances and the cultural vitality that Hartford has to offer.

This semester, we had the privilege of deepening our relationship with Hartford community partners and aimed to share these resources with students. A key moment in this journey occurred on November 21st, 2024, when we collaborated with Real Art Ways to bring students to their monthly Creative Cocktail Hour. 

To make this collaboration possible, we worked closely with Miller Opie, the Director of Real Art Ways, and Winnie Wong, the Marketing Director. We met consistently with them to discuss the logistics, fine-tune the event details, and ensure a good student experience. The collaboration was not only about planning an event but also prompting and sharing Real Art Ways events with students via the CHER website and building a long-term relationship between Trinity and Real Art Ways. 

The evening itself was nothing short of inspiring. Real Art Ways gave a tour, explaining how they curate exhibitions, work with local artists, and serve as a community space for the Hartford arts community. A diverse group of students attended the event, ranging from art majors to those with a general interest in the creative process. The tour was highly insightful, as it allowed us to discuss the artwork displayed by various artists and explore the evolution of the Real Art Ways building since it was built. We also gained a deeper understanding of the building’s history and the significant renovations it will undergo soon. Students engaged with the art on display discussed the artworks, and networked with other creative artists. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to step off campus and immerse themselves in the Hartford arts scene.

Another valuable community collaboration was on December 3rd, 2024 when the Hartford Public Library partnered with us in The Underground Cafe to sign up over 30 students for library cards. As Hartford residents, all Trinity students are entitled to a library card and this event served as a reminder of the numerous benefits of being a library cardholder. The library team provided detailed information about where students can use their cards, highlighting branches across the city and the diverse services each offers. In addition to the educational benefits, students were given free books, prizes, and a complimentary Underground drink to celebrate their new library membership.

The Hartford Public Library’s presence highlighted the value of community engagement. While our students benefited from access to books, study resources, and programming in Hartford, they also learned that the library is more than just a place to borrow books. The library is a hub for cultural events, and educational programs, and a safe space for Hartford residents of all backgrounds. 

As we look ahead to the next semester, we are proud of the relationships we’ve built with community partners and organizations, like Real Art Ways, Hartford Stage, and others who share our mission of supporting student success and fostering community engagement within the city. These partnerships allow us to offer students meaningful opportunities to engage with Hartford’s rich culture and resources. We hope to continue providing Trinity students with unique opportunities to engage with the Hartford arts scene, build professional connections, and experience the creativity that makes Hartford such a special place. We remain committed to deepening these partnerships and exploring new ways to bring students, faculty, and community partners together. It is through these connections that we can continue to create a supportive environment for learning, growth, and mutual respect between Trinity College and Hartford. 

The post CHER Community Engagement Fellows Build and Strengthen Community Partnerships appeared first on Center for Hartford Engagement and Research.

Professor Atalay led the Frog Hollow Development Project in collaboration with faculty fellow Dr. Laura Delgado from the Urban Studies department, where students partnered with the Frog Hollow NRZ (Neighborhood Revitalization Zone). The Frog Hollow NRZ works to revitalize the neighborhood through the collective efforts of residents, businesses, and government to create a shared vision for the community. Trinity students Matthew Rinaldi IDP ’27, Seth Papay ’24, Lourdes Cruz Mendoza ’26, and Eli Bergner ’25, along with CT State Community College Capital student Zaku Hasan ’24, focused their research on the growing issue of blight in Hartford, particularly in the Frog Hollow neighborhood. Seth Papay ’24 expressed his connection to the project, saying, “My mother grew up in this neighborhood, and I feel it is important for me to connect back here and work with the community to improve it.”

The students conducted in-depth interviews with BRT staff, community leaders, and local stakeholders, while also performing a detailed analysis of Hartford’s Blight Remediation Ordinance. This allowed the team to better understand current initiatives and identify areas for potential improvement. Additionally, they reviewed blight remediation strategies used in other cities, such as Philadelphia and Detroit, to develop a comparative analysis that could inform future efforts in Hartford.

Prof. Partridge collaborated with the Hartford Heritage Project to lead the Talcott Street Church Commemoration Project, ensuring that Hartford’s first free-standing Black church is permanently recognized in public memory as a vital piece of American history, particularly in Connecticut. This initiative builds on the Liberal Arts Action Lab’s 2020 Black Heritage Project, which explored ways to bring the history of the Talcott Street Church and its members into an exhibit at CT State Community College Capital. The team researched equitable historical preservation methods worldwide, engaged with Hartford stakeholders through focus groups, and compiled a list of actionable recommendations to establish lasting recognition of this important history.

The implementation of this plan will involve a dedicated coalition of preservationists, government officials, and cultural organizers. Team members included Trinity students Nicole Ankrah ’26 and Matt Luyrink ’26, along with CT State Capital students Anthony Lee and Katie Cook.  Through this experience, students not only visited historical sites but also learned about historical figures and how best to preserve and share their stories. Their primary recommendation was to create a monument park on a small area of Trumbull Street above I-84, between the XL Center and Dunkin Park. Prof. Partridge praised the students as a “dream team” for their dedication and high-quality work, noting that he even learned from them during their literature review, which helped contextualize the project and its broader significance.

“My favorite part about the project was when we were walking around the city, seeing current city commemorations, and considering what we can do.” – Nicole Ankrah ’26

Professor Laura Minor led the Student Loan Equity Project in partnership with the Student Loan Fund and faculty fellows Dr. Serena Laws, Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Law, and Dr. Bryan Lewis, Associate Director of Financial Aid at CT State Community College. The research team included Trinity students Emma Kisbeye ’27, Luke Izzo ’26, and Capital student Luna Perez. The students explored the impact of the COVID-19 repayment pause on borrowers in the Hartford area and sought to understand the broader lived experiences of borrowers across Connecticut. Their research combined a literature review with 13 in-depth interviews conducted with student borrowers. Reflecting on the project, Emma Kisbeye noted, “Through interviews and literature reviews, we were able to hear from individuals in Connecticut and realized the tremendous mental health impact on borrowers, particularly among specific racial groups.”

To learn more about the projects, you can check out the websites of each project below. 

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With guidance from Colloquium Instructor Fionnuala J. Darby-Hudgens and Director of Community Learning Erica Crowley, peers, and community partners, fellows develop critical skills in research and learn more about community-based research. They develop their presentation and discussion skills and express with one another their challenges and successes. To further support and structure the projects for success, the program incorporates a shared expectations document that community partners, fellows, and faculty advisors contribute to at the start of the semester and fellows submit regular progress memos that are viewable by their instructor, faculty advisor, community partner, and peers.

During the fall 2024 semester fellows attended weekly seminars covering a series of topics related to community-based research: identifying a question and designing a research project, communicating a research plan, developing good interviewing skills, analyzing and visualizing data, designing research posters and other products, and addressing challenges in collaborative projects.  They were further supported through regular large group colloquium sessions where faculty advisors, peers, and key staff from across campus provided feedback on projects before the final poster conference.

We congratulate the fellows, faculty sponsors, and community partners for their work together this semester and we extend a special thank you to our instructor Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens, guest evaluator Kate Bittinger Eikel, Head of Digital Learning & Scholarship Dave Tatem, Digital Scholarship Strategist Mary Mahoney, Ilda Ramos, Erna Alić, Trinity’s Institutional Review Board, and the entire Center for Hartford Engagement & Research (CHER) team. None of this work would be possible without the support and contributions of many across the Trinity and Hartford communities.

Connecticut’s Worker Cooperative Ecosystem: Needs and Opportunities

Makayla Cervantes ‘26 with community partner Varun Sharma, Cooperate CT, and faculty sponsor Ibrahim Shikaki, Assistant Professor of Economics

Cooperatives represent a unique business model with significant economic and social benefits, yet there is limited academic literature on their presence and functionality in Connecticut. This study aims to explore the locations, operations, and support systems of cooperatives within the state, providing a comprehensive understanding of their landscape. The research focuses on evaluating the health and effectiveness of cooperatives as a business model in Connecticut. Data were collected through surveys administered to a diverse range of cooperatives across Connecticut. The surveys gathered information on various aspects of cooperative operations, including funding, resources, industry type, and technical assistance received. This study seeks to identify the operational dynamics of cooperatives in Connecticut and offer insights to strengthen their support systems. By investigating these elements, the research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on cooperative business models and their potential for fostering sustainable economic development.

She Speaks, We Act: Advancing Women’s Voices into Legislative Action

Breanna Pitta ‘27 and Charlotte Murphree ‘27 with community partner Janée Woods Weber, She Leads Justice and faculty sponsor Elda Sinai Associate Professor of the Practice in Public Policy

Our research seeks to discover what challenges marginalized and under-resourced women are experiencing in their communities, aiming to create a policy agenda that addresses these critical issues. We partnered with She Leads Justice, an organization that advocates for women in Connecticut by promoting feminist policies to state legislation. We conducted a two-month survey of women across Connecticut to identify the most pressing issues they face in their lives and understand if women feel respected and represented by their state government. Our data suggests that women are largely aware of the operations of Connecticut’s state government, yet feel widely unrepresented by it. Furthermore, women suggested they are struggling most with economic insecurity, issues in the workplace, and the cost of childcare. These results provide She Leads Justice with valuable insights to inform their upcoming legislative agenda, ensuring it reflects the real needs and voices of women across the state.

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A History of Connecticut’s Prison Newspapers

Caitlin Doherty ‘26 and Rajsi Rana ’26 with community partner Harriet Jones and faculty sponsor Catina Bacote, Assistant Professor of English

At least seventeen newspapers were published from Connecticut prisons between 1897 and the 1980s. Written, edited, designed, and illustrated by the individuals incarcerated at those prisons, the publications create an incredibly rich, moving account of the experience of incarceration in our state. Through a partnership with Trinity Assistant Professor of English Catina Bacote and Harriet Jones of the CT Public Radio, we have documented the broader history of prison publications in Connecticut and designed a website that highlights writing and artwork within these seventeen publications. This is an area of our state’s history that has been very little researched, and because information on these past publications in Connecticut is so limited, the goal of this project is to raise awareness and engagement with this important aspect of our state’s history.

 

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A Comparative Analysis of Fresh Food Availability in Hartford’s Bodegas

Kentaro Lee ‘27 with community partner Jocelyn Cerda, Mercado Popular, and faculty sponsor Gerardo Ruiz Sanchez, Associate Professor of Economics

The present study aims to investigate the stocking behavior of Hartford’s independent grocery stores, more commonly known as “bodegas”. The study aims to achieve this by accomplishing the following objectives: (i) comparing fresh food availability across independent grocers, (ii) analyzing bodega owners’ stocking strategies of fresh produce, and (iii) examining agricultural cost variability in Hartford.

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Sex Matters: Understanding Youth Disconnection in Connecticut

Antonina Rousskikh ’25 with community partner Tom Cooke, A Better Connecticut Institute, and faculty sponsors Brianna Halladay, Assistant Professor of Economics, and Mark Stater, Professor of Economics

While extensive research has addressed youth disconnection from school and work both globally and in the U.S., few studies have examined the complex roles of sex and gender in shaping these outcomes. Previous research highlights that young men, particularly young Black men, and those in male-dominated fields like manufacturing, are disproportionately at risk of disconnection. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring how biological sex influences the likelihood of youth being at risk for disconnection or being disconnected from school or work. Using ACS 1% data (2017-2022) from IPUMS, the analysis is conducted on a sample of young adults (ages 14-26) in Connecticut. A combination of descriptive statistics and a multinomial logit model is applied to assess the effects of sex in combination with race, industry, parenthood, and English-speaking ability.

The post Community Learning Research Fellows Present Fall 2024 Findings appeared first on Center for Hartford Engagement and Research.

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This year, Halloween on Vernon offered a beautiful day filled with activities for children and families. About 18 different stations were set up around campus, offering activities like face painting with a sorority, musical chairs with UMOJA House, popcorn with the CHER Community Engagement Fellows, and arts and crafts with La Eracra House.  There was also a pumpkin patch at the Trinfo Community Garden, and, of course, trick-or-treating with candy at every stop. Santina Dresser ’27 hosted a face-painting table with her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and shared, “It is so fun to see the kids’ costumes and give out candy to everyone.”

This year, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam joined in with his family, continuing a cherished tradition. He shared, “The kids and I love going to the Asian American Cultural House where they make sushi candy—we even started doing that activity at home.”

Halloween on Vernon showcases the unity of purpose between Trinity’s students, administration, and faculty coming together to create a safe and fun Halloween for our neighbors. Mia Rodriguez ’26, who helped organize the event with ACES, commented, “The planning was smooth, and it was amazing to see such a diverse group of students and organizations come together to make this event successful.” She added, “I love seeing all the kids wandering around in their costumes and feeling the Halloween spirit on campus.”

After 35 years, Halloween on Vernon has continued to grow, bringing in more members and even multiple generations of families. One Hartford mother shared, “I used to come to Halloween on Vernon when I was a child, and now I’m here as a mom bringing my own child. It’s a cherished family tradition of ours that I plan to continue.” We look forward to continuing to make Halloween on Vernon a wonderful experience for our students, neighbors, and the entire Hartford community.

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Breanna Pitta

Class of 2027, Environmental Science and Public Policy and Law major, Community Action minor.
Hometown: Bridgewater, Massachusetts 
Position: Attacking midfield
Clubs/Organizations: ELLO community service club, Women’s Club Volleyball, Trinity Environmental Action and Climate Justice, the Venture program, and research Forest Ecology with Environmental Science and Gender Equity and Justice as a Community Learning Research Fellow

How did you become involved in coaching the HMTCA middle school soccer team?

This past summer, I decided to apply for the open coaching position on the Hartford Public School website, where I got assigned as the head Middle School Soccer Coach at HMTCA! I was then blessed to have my friend Eulalia agree to be my co-coach.

What is a memorable moment or a highlight from this season with your own team and the middle school team? 

The most memorable moment this season for me as HMTCA’s coach was our eighth-grade “senior night.” For our last regular-season game, Eulalia and I made posters and had a rose ceremony for our kids who will be moving on to high school. The night was complete with yummy cupcakes, “senior” speeches, lots of smiles, and the opportunity for all of our eighth graders to start the game together.

What has been the most rewarding part of coaching this season?

The most rewarding part of coaching this season was watching the kids develop as people alongside their growth as soccer players. The improvement from our first game to playing in the championship as an organized, skillful, united unit was truly inspiring. I am so proud of their ability to translate what we taught them into an unstoppable underdog squad. Off the field, their growth has surpassed this. They have grown to display effort, tenacity, coachability, respect, and positivity- a true combination for a winning team.

What advice would you give to students interested in coaching or working with younger students?

The opportunities are out there; you just must work to find them! The freedom of college life is overwhelming, but there are so many incredible resources at Trinity to help you find what you’re looking for. Start by identifying something you’re passionate about and go from there!

Eulalia Esquenet

Class of 2027, Political Science major
Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland
Position: Center Defender, Captain of the Trinity College Club Soccer Team

What is a memorable moment or a highlight from this season with your own team and the middle school team?

One of the highlights from this season with my middle school team has been witnessing their development as both athletes and teammates as we made it to the championship game. Last season, they only won a single game. But this season, they got second place in the league showing an incredible transformation. HMTCA Middle School soccer hadn’t reached a championship game in 10 years. 

What challenges have you faced coaching a middle school team, and how did you overcome them?

One of the toughest challenges we faced was losing the championship game. It was an emotional loss, and many of the players were visibly upset after putting in so much effort. Consoling them was difficult, as it’s never easy to see such disappointment in young players. I tried to help them focus on how far they had come and reminded them that setbacks are part of learning and growth in sports—and life.

Coaching these middle schoolers has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college career. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for soccer and life lessons with them. – Eulalia Esquenet ’27

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The Summer Writing Institute is a program meticulously crafted to introduce students to the rigors of college-level writing in a fun, interactive way. Dr. Tennyson O’Donnell, Director of the Allan K. Smith Center for Writing and Rhetoric, and his faculty designed the curriculum to meet the unique needs of high school students. Through a focus on critical reading, rhetorical analysis, and the revising process, participants were given essential tools to succeed academically in the years ahead. One student said, “My favorite part of the workshop was getting to work and interact with other people. We were encouraged to pursue our goals, and it felt like a supportive, motivating space.”

“Teaching HMTCA high school students in the Summer Writing Institute is incredibly rewarding,” O’Donnell says. “It’s a joy to watch high school students develop a sense of confidence in their writing and analytical skills. It’s an honor to serve as a mentor and guide through this pivotal stage as they consider college and other post-grad plans.” O’Donnell says that Trinity’s faculty participate in the Summer Writing Institute because they know the difference it can make for each student. “Every session reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of education, the necessity for mentorship, and the important role Trinity College has in our broader community.”

The Designing Your College Experience program is facilitated by Joe Catrino, Executive Director of the Trinity College Career & Life Design Center. Catrino and his staff provide HMTCA high school students with valuable design-thinking tools to help craft a meaningful and intentional future—no matter if students are heading to college, trade school, military service, or exploring alternative pathways. From choosing a major to personal branding, and from navigating the complexities of educational decisions to innovating one’s future career path, the program covers a broad range of topics that are critical for success.

During the program, students engaged in small group discussions, reflective activities, and field exercises, all of which contributed to a deeper understanding of their personal and academic journeys. Individual coaching sessions also provided them with the support needed to clarify their goals and ambitions. One student remarked that Catrino “helped me step out of my comfort zone and reflect on who I am as a person. He also gave us invaluable insights into preparing for our careers and reminded us that it’s okay not to know the exact path ahead—there are many different routes to success.”

The success of these programs not only highlights the value of experiential learning but also reinforces the power of mentorship and collaboration in helping high school students make informed, purposeful decisions about their futures. By creating a supportive and enriching partnership, HMTCA and Trinity College continue to promote personal growth, academic readiness, and career exploration, setting students up for a brighter future.

“Life design empowers students to take control of their futures, teaching them how to navigate uncertainty, make thoughtful decisions, and cultivate the skills necessary for lifelong learning. This partnership exemplifies how we can prepare young people for the challenges ahead, helping them to design meaningful lives both in and beyond their educational journeys.” – Joe Catrino, Executive Director of the Trinity College Career & Life Design Center

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