Muhammad Zeb ’21
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
Major: Economics & Political Science
Extracurricular Involvement: Team Captain of Club Golf, Staff Intern Congressman John Larson's Office, Investment Club
Email: [email protected]
Why did you join the multicultural requirement team?
Currently, Trinity is going through a transformative phase of increased diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The Multicultural Recruitment Team (MRT) within the Admissions Office provided me the opportunity to become an integral part of this exciting change. I enjoy helping high school students navigate the college admissions process through information sessions, overnight events, and engaging in one-on-one conversations. It’s extremely rewarding to welcome a high school student on campus and to then see them grow and prosper during their time at Trinity.
What is the biggest lesson you learned from your first semester on campus ?
During my first semester, I learned the importance of asking for help instead when needed early on rather than waiting till the last minute. After moving away from Texas, I was faced with a brief deluge of shyness that initially hindered my growth. Later, I found it significantly fruitful to ask my professors and campus mentors for help early on. For example, my understanding of mathematics greatly improved when I started regularly attending my professor’s office hours. It was through these conversations that I built a strong relationship with one of my professors which led me to conduct research in the college’s mathematics department during the summer after my first year.
How has a liberal arts education fostered your thinking? What class impacted you the most?
Trinity’s liberal arts education has enabled me to broaden my horizons in ways I never expected. As an incoming first year I was extremely focused on a single prospective career path. Through taking classes in different departments, I discovered careers that I liked significantly more than the path I had initially considered. I have been able to conduct research in the economics, mathematics, and the political science department at Trinity, and I have thus enjoyed a deeper understanding of the course material within the liberal art’s structure. Throughout my academic tenure, I have been amazed to see the integration of Trinity’s curriculum with real world applications. I particularly enjoyed my first-year seminar course, Civic Engagement and Community which enabled me to engage with Hartford early on in my college career, though interviews with state representatives and local leaders.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Serving on MRT represents a cornerstone of the legacy I seek to leave on campus. I’m eager to contribute to Trinity’s promise of a place where anything is possible if you set your mind to it. As a future Alumnus of the college, I’m looking forward to mentoring future Bantams and continuing relationships I have built in the city of Hartford.
How has the city of Hartford impacted your college experience?
The city of Hartford has served as an integral part of my Trinity education. During my first semester I conducted and published research in Hartford, followed by an internship at our local congressman, John Larson’s office. Currently I’m applying my understanding of political science and economics to aid low-income members of the Hartford community with filling their 2020 tax returns. I’m extremely fortunate to go to school in a city filled with opportunity where one never feels lost. Whether it’s going to the State Capital Building for a class or grabbing dinner with an alumnus at The Hartford Club, there is always something exciting to do right off campus.
If you were an animal what kind of animal would you be?
I’m currently fostering an inexplicable obsession with raccoons. There is a family of raccoons that lives in a park near my house. They enjoy eating donuts with purple icing, and I have named one of them Chunky. I want to make Chunky my pet raccoon, but for some reason my mom won’t let me. Feel free request pictures of Chunky via email.
What does Trinity mean to you?
Trinity exemplifies growth, and it has enabled me to interact closely with distinguished faculty members in a mentorship inspiring manner. Trinity teaches students to transform theoretical knowledge from class to tangible change through its proximity to downtown Hartford while becoming change markers in any field they choose. Trinity is a place that surrounds you with a network of support and resources that help you to accomplish anything you set your mind to.
Who is your favorite professor?
Both of my college advisors serve as my favorite professors. I met my future economic advisor Dr. Chris Hoag as a senior in high school and subsequently developed a close relationship with him during my first semester of college. We have shared many a great conversation while driving to and from economics research competitions. I met my Political Science advisor during my first week at Trinity and bonded over our love for immigration and integration policy. After taking every one of her classes, I can say without a doubt that her classes do an incredibly effective job of encompassing Hartford into the Political Science curriculum.
