Spotlight on Graduates: Reflections and Advice from Trinity’s Class of 2024

Through a wide variety of experiences both inside and outside of the classroom, this year’s graduates all followed their own interests as they forged unique paths.

With Commencement quickly approaching, several senior Bantams reflect on their most memorable academic and extracurricular opportunities, how their time at the College helped prepare them for what comes next, and their advice for current and future Trinity students.

Pavel Gerardo Alejo Lopez

Physics and Engineering double major
Hometown: Tecomán, Colima, Mexico
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Society of Physics Students, Event Support student worker, teaching assistant, Game Operations employee, Office of International Students and Scholars intern, club soccer, Trinity College Boxing Club

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

The first thing that comes to mind is my first job working as part of Event Support. I got to be part of all of the events that were happening at Trinity, and that meant that I got to know a lot of people and enjoy a lot of different kinds of events, in addition to helping to run them. My boss was also amazing and I really felt like someone was taking care of me, not only as a student worker, but also as a person. He was my first deep connection here and became someone I could really trust. Academically, summer research is something that I really enjoyed. I got to experience Trinity in a different way and explore the city during the summer. It gave me the chance to dedicate most of my time to something that I enjoy, which is physics, and learn more about topics that I am particularly interested in.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

I am very happy with how interdisciplinary my education has been. I came here to do chemical engineering; however, I eventually realized that I had other options. The fact that I was able to take other classes led to me taking a physics course, which ultimately convinced me to pursue what I really wanted to do, which was my follow my childhood dream of studying physics. Getting the chance to learn in other classes unrelated to STEM is something that I really value. Of course, the technical and problem-solving skills that I have are going to be useful. However, the ability to appreciate the complexity of things is what I think is going to be the most valuable. It will help me be competent in other areas of life and be a more complete person.

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

It’s very interesting to explore everything that Trinity has to offer because there is actually everything here. Through my experience working in Event Support, I know that there is something that each student can find and will really enjoy here at Trinity. Exploring and getting to know all the things Trinity has will help everyone feel more at home.

Anahit Avagyan

Ben Callahan-Gold

Psychology major
Hometown: New York City
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Men’s basketball team

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

My most memorable academic experience at Trinity was taking the course, “Evaluation and Treatment of Addictive Behavior” with Professor of Psychology Laura J. Holt ’00. We dove into the root of many substance use disorders, the stigmas that are associated with them, and many of the different therapies used to treat them. For one of our papers, I chose to attend an AA meeting. This was an extremely eye-opening and valuable experience because it showed me the importance of having multiple types of therapy due to individuals’ different temperaments, lived experiences, and close relationships.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

In the classroom, the psychology major has deepened my interest in becoming a licensed therapist. I found a true interest in learning different strategies that could potentially help individuals with a wide range of issues. On the basketball court, the trust that my coaches and teammates have instilled in me has helped me to grow into a player and leader I never imagined I could be. With their help, I have opened the possibility of being able to play professional basketball overseas in the future.

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

Fully invest yourself in everything that you do. There are so many opportunities on or around campus to find what you are interested in. Once you find what that is, give it your all. See how great you can become at it. You do not want to leave this place having regrets about what you could have done or who you could have become. Use all the resources to the best of your ability and become the best possible version of yourself that you can.

Emma Hersom

Political Science and Human Rights Studies double major
Hometown: Sutton, Massachusetts
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Trinity Film Festival Event Coordination Committee member, equestrian team co-captain, Annual Community Event Staff (ACES) member, Career and Life Design intern, Office of Community Service and Civic Engagement student worker, Students Against Mass Incarceration member

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

One of my most memorable opportunities at Trinity was my time as co-captain of the equestrian team. Beyond the wins, the early horse show mornings, and love we all have for the sport and its horses, something I will miss most is the immense system of support we’ve built over the years inside and outside of the arena, with members new and old.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

My time and studies at Trinity have provided an intersectional, interdisciplinary learning experience that has set me up for success in my postgraduate journey. Through academic pursuits and research opportunities, I have been able to see how varying human rights issues heavily shape and inform an individual’s legal issues. After graduating from Trinity, I am moving to Washington, D.C., to work as a coordinated intake and referral navigator under the District of Columbia’s new Coordinated Intake and Referral System, which is a streamlined process for D.C. residents to access legal aid through a single phone number or website. I am incredibly excited to work with the CIR team in fighting for, protecting, and investing in the rights of the most underrepresented, impoverished, and marginalized members of the District.

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

Take full advantage of all of the incredible resources Trinity has to offer! Be persistent in nurturing relationships with professors and alumni; they have offered me indispensable wisdom through their passion for teaching and making a positive impact on students, and they have inspired and supported me in more ways than I have words for. Get involved in the campus community; there are so many clubs doing important work on this campus that need those passionate about social justice to carry their mission forward. Lastly, never stop exploring Hartford! There are so many incredible organizations, restaurants, and activities that I will miss dearly once graduating that I wouldn’t have found otherwise if I hadn’t pushed myself to try new things.

Tara Iyer

Political Science and Theater and Dance double major
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Senior admissions associate, head writing associate in the Writing Center, co-president of the International House Organization, teaching assistant in the Theater and Dance and Political Science departments, international student mentor, residential advisor

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

Being president at the International House. I’ve been a member for the last four years at Trinity, and as an international student, it really matters to me that international lives on this campus are well-founded, protected, and cared for. That experience has definitely changed how I perceive the world and how I carry myself on campus. Even in my roles at the Writing Center or at Admissions, I’m constantly championing international students and making sure that we have a voice in decision-making.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

I picked two really diverging majors: theater and political science. It’s not often that you would think they intersect, but I feel that all theater is political, and all politics—at some level—has theatrical aspects. That very premise has led me to do my theses, which are really rooted in these ideas. My theater thesis was a very political piece, and my political science thesis was a very theatrical piece, where I talked a lot about how we perform politics. I definitely think they’ve influenced how I think about life and my work. I am planning on going into work relating to social justice and the arts, and potentially pursuing a Ph.D. to look at performance studies and social activism through a sociological lens.

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

Trust yourself. It’s very easy to come to college and question what you’re doing or change your mind about things based on what other people are doing or thinking. But Trinity, and I would say college in general, is meant for you to build your own path. Really pick and choose what makes you happy. Make sure you’re doing what’s best for yourself and not engaging in herd mentality. Don’t be afraid of taking risks just because other people aren’t doing it. Take that jump; somehow it could end up being one of your highlights of college!

Xavier Mercado

Abdelrahman Nassar

Computer Science major
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Muslim Students Association president, captain of the men’s squash team

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

Some of the most memorable academic and extracurricular opportunities I found at Trinity were joining different clubs and meeting new people that inspired me in so many different ways. Being part of various student organizations allowed me to explore interests outside of the classroom, take on leadership roles, and connect with others who shared my passions. The friendships and connections I made through these activities truly enriched my Trinity experience.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

During these formative years, I learned that it’s always about the lessons you absorb, the diverse people you meet, and the resilience you build along the way. The challenging coursework sharpened my critical thinking abilities. Engaging with faculty mentors provided invaluable guidance. And overcoming obstacles taught me grit and perseverance.

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

Stay resilient, because college will test you in multiple ways. Time flies incredibly fast, so make the most of every opportunity. Most importantly, enjoy your time here while you can. Get involved, forge meaningful relationships, step out of your comfort zone, and embrace all aspects of the experience. These will be some of the most formative and memorable years of your life.

Yves Semana Gisubizo

Essence Smith

Political Science and International Studies—Global Studies double-major; Community Action minor
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Activities, clubs, or sports at Trinity: Trinity College Black Women’s Organization, Multicultural Affairs Council (MAC), Campus Climate Incident Response Team, Admissions’ Diversity and Access Team

What academic or extracurricular opportunities at Trinity did you find most memorable?

The academic opportunities at Trinity that have been most memorable were when I got to study abroad in Sweden and Italy. The International Studies Program and the Study Away Office do a great job at presenting opportunities for students to get a global perspective. Though I was physically away from Trinity, I still had the support of my at-home advisers, mentors, and faculty members.

How did your time and studies at Trinity influence or support your plans for the future?

My professors at Trinity were not only flexible in writing me letters of recommendation for whatever opportunity I wanted to pursue, but they were also deeply encouraging and committed to my growth. Whether I was looking into law schools, fellowships, or graduate programs, my professors were kind and compassionate throughout; although, I’m sure I stressed my professors and advisers out and even caused a few gray hairs!

What advice would you give to current or future Trinity students?

Don’t be afraid to get involved! Join the club, apply for a job on Handshake—get out of your dorm.

Edited by Maddie Hengerer ’26 and Andrew J. Concatelli. Photos by Nick Caito. Videos by Vy Duong ’26 and Helder Mira.