No matter how long it’s been since your Trinity days, memories of your experiences can bring you right back to that time. We caught up with a few undergrads to learn about what’s changed for today’s students—and what hasn’t.
Camila Luiz, 2nd year
Physiology & Bioethics Double Major, Psychology Minor
Where I live: On campus in Trinity’s St. Hilda’s residence. I have a lovely single room on the second floor (2nd Kirkwood).
The most interesting thing I learned this term was… Right now, I’m most interested in human perception, which I’ve been exploring through both my developmental psychology and physiology courses. Learning how we experience our surroundings from birth to adulthood, how we absorb and internalize information about the world and all its sensations, how the human brain has fundamental mechanisms in place that allow for us to be uniquely human, and unique individuals—it’s such an incredibly integrative concept that learning more about it has made me very fond of it. I love thinking about physical phenomena through philosophical lenses, and learning about perception was such an interesting way for me to apply that way of thinking!
My favourite part of the Trinity experience so far is…The sense of community. Every day I am amazed by the kindness and ambition of the students and staff here. From the joint efforts and dedication of Trinity members in planning events and programs, to friendly greetings in the residence halls, to seeing students in Strachan passionately discussing their interests and lives, I constantly feel inspired by all the exceptional individuals in Trinity. I think there is a collective recognition that Trinity is a place for us to challenge ourselves and grow alongside our peers. That shared experience of pursuing something bigger than ourselves is both exhilarating and heartwarming.
The most challenging part of my Trinity experience has been…Reconciling my own needs with my efforts to help others. It has been a challenge, this year especially, for me to recognize that self-care does not equate to selfishness. Many Trinity students I have spoken to also struggle with balancing their academics, extracurriculars and personal lives. I think this challenge is a constant journey of learning about ourselves, our limits, and what we most value in our community. It’s beautiful to see students leaning on each other for support, and I have immense pride for how naturally Trinity students can connect with each other in friendship and camaraderie to become more resilient people.
Over the holidays…I’ll be celebrating Christmas with my large family, which is very exciting for me, as my four siblings and I are all at different post-secondary institutions and coming home for the winter break. It will be the first time my family has been together since spring, so I’m awaiting the holidays with great anticipation. I’m also excited to hibernate after my exams end, and spend plenty of time outdoors enjoying the trees and snow!
When I need a break from school work, I…Love to read, and I love discussing books whenever I get the chance! I’m currently in the middle of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which is an absolute classic that I can’t believe I have not read until now. It’s fervid, tragic, and so creatively creepy. I also recently watched the 2004 version of The Phantom of the Opera, which is my go-to winter film. As for music, I’ve been obsessed with Renegade by Big Red Machine and Taylor Swift recently, as well as Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead.
Extra-curriculars: Second Year Head of Trinity College Residence, President of the Stephanos (Trinity College Yearbook Club), Treasurer of Trinity College Environmental Society, Treasurer of Rainbow Trinity, Events Director of Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disease Student Association (NANSA), Second Year Representative of U of T’s Doctors Without Borders Chapter (Friends of MSF), RSG Leader (for BIO230 right now), Sidney Smith Commons Assistant. Outside of school I am a SickKids Administrative Volunteer and a neuropharmacology research volunteer at Toronto Western Hospital.
Maddi Chu, 1st year
Economics and Public Policy is the plan
Where I live: Off campus at Campus One
The most interesting thing I learned this term was…In my Politics of Food class. We learned about food deserts, which are places with limited access to healthy foods.
My favourite part of the Trinity experience so far is…Being involved in the Trinity College Meeting (TCM) as the First Year Non-Residence Head.
The most challenging part of my Trinity experience has been…Navigating the different teaching styles of my professors.
Over the holidays…I’m going back home to Boston to see friends and family.
When I need a break from school work, I…Watch a favourite series. I’m rewatching Gilmore Girls right now!
Extra-curriculars: Trinity student government (First Year Non-Residence Head), Big Spoon Little Spoon Club
Sara Eftekharzadeh, 3rd year
Women and Gender Studies specialist with Psychology minor
Where I live: Off campus near Spadina station with a roommate
The most interesting thing I learned this term was…In one of my classes, we talked about how rest and naps are defined in a capitalist society. For instance, to take a break or rest, you must do something “productive” before you earn rest. The Nap Ministry is an organization that really tackles this idea; they believe that our worth is not measured by the checks on our to-do list. As a student with a lot on their to-do list and mainly sleepless the last two years, I decided to put rest and naps as a task on my to-do list to give them as much value and importance as my assignments!
My favourite part of the Trinity experience so far is…Being part of the orientation team this fall. I started my studies in 2021 when COVID-19 measures were still strict, so we only had a few in-person events. I loved working for orientation because it felt like I experienced the orientation I had never had. It allowed me to meet people outside my circle at Trinity and the fantastic and passionate first-year students.
The most challenging part of my Trinity experience has been…Finding community as a commuter student. It has taken me two years, but participating in more extracurricular activities and community events as well as spending my time between classes on campus has helped me feel more connected to the spaces and people.
Over the holidays…I am traveling to Istanbul, Turkey to spend Christmas there with my parents and two best friends. I am very excited because it’s been almost two years since I last saw my friends, and spending Christmas with them is a dream come true for me! I am also excited to be in Istanbul for Christmas after almost five years.
When I need a break from school work, I…Watch comedy shows. Right now, I’m watching a show on Netflix called Superstore.
Extra-curriculars: Co-President Rainbow Trinity, President Iranian Students’ Association at University of Toronto (UTIRAN), Research Assistant Wisdom and Identity Lab, Editorial Board of Women and Gender Studies undergraduate journal