Trinity University

Responses from the Student Interview

From a student  who identifies as Major: Biology
Minor: None
Student Self Identifies as: Hispanic Straight Male

Summary

I’m in the Chess Club, and I’m part of the Trinity University Volunteer Action Committee TUVAC which is a volunteer organization.

Background

Gender Identity: Male
Race/Ethnicity: Hispanic
Sexual Orientation: Straight

High School Experience: Public charter high school in South Texas with a graduating class of about 80 students. There was a culture of going to college.
First-Generation College Student: Yes
Major: Biology
Minor: None

Extracurricular Activities: I’m in the Chess Club, and I’m part of the Trinity University Volunteer Action Committee TUVAC which is a volunteer organization.
Did any of your extracurricular activities have a particularly big impact on your experience?
They’re mostly a source of relaxation from school. I also tend to work out a lot, which isn’t a club but is a release of stress for me here.

Academic Experience

Can you describe your weekly coursework for your major?
We usually have three or four exams, plus the final. Homework assignments are rare and we have a lot of readings each night before our class. The exams make up the bulk of the grade.
Is there anything you feel that your major’s department does especially well or poorly?
In terms of especially well, they don’t necessarily tell us what we need to know. They give us the reading to give us background information, and during lectures, we talk about the studies or things we need to know. It can be a double-edged sword because it keeps students engaged because you might not expect what you need to know, but at the same time, you might miss something. You soon realize just going to lecture isn’t enough. You have to play your part outside of class to keep up with the class.
How would you describe the learning environment? Do you think it’s particularly competitive or collaborative?
I think it’s very competitive, but that competition makes people collaborate to get better grades. I have a lot of friends here who do help you out because they genuinely care and would also help themselves out by helping you. Whenever I’m good at something, I tend to help people out and that helps me review.
How accessible are your professors?
They are very accessible. They have office hours about three times a week, and if you can’t attend any you can email them to set up an appointment. In some cases, I’ve even walked up to their office to see if they’re there.
What has been your favorite part of Trinity academically?
The challenge it has brought upon myself. High school was very easy, and when I got here I learned just listening to a lecture wasn’t enough. I had to challenge myself enough to understand. It gives you a sense of accomplishment when you understand something you couldn’t before.
How was transitioning as a first-generation college student? Were there any resources in place that helped you adapt?
There’s a class here called Latinx Leadership Development that is filled with Latina students. It’s a support group and they’ll help you out with anything you need.
Why did you choose your major? Are you happy with your choice?
I’m happy with my major right now. I’m going to Physician Assistant (PA) school after college and I want to do something in the medical field.

Reasons to Attend

1) It’s becoming well-known across Texas and the United States. [See Trinity University News article, “Trinity Admissions More Competitive Than Ever.”]
2) The teachers don’t aim to have you memorize facts, but to have you learn the concepts.
3) If you like small schools, it’s a good place.

Reasons Not to Attend

1) If [diversity] is something you care about, Trinity is very White. [The undergraduate population is 56% White.]

Around Campus

Where have you lived on and around campus?
Freshman: Woodward Hall with one roommate
Sophomore: Prassel Hall with one roommate
How was transitioning from your hometown to San Antonio, TX in terms of location?
It’s actually very different in both a physical and mental way. It’s very cold up here compared to my hometown. I grew up in a bubble of my culture and there wasn’t any diversity because we were all Mexican. Here, San Antonio is more diverse and there are a lot of White students which adds to my perspective.
Can you describe the level of safety you’ve experienced on and around campus?
I feel very safe around campus.

Social Opportunities

What kind of weekend activities or nightlife do you like to participate in?
I usually hang out with friends and maybe go out. We just relax for the most part, nothing crazy. If we go out, it would be to college parties or clubs in San Antonio.
What nights of the week do you regularly do things?
Usually on Fridays. The fraternities usually host the parties at the off-campus houses.
What is the impact of Greek life on nightlife?
I think Greek life is an essential part of this college, even if you’re not in Greek life because you can still have a good time. There is no exclusivity, but as rushing begins the parties become more exclusive to the people actually rushing the fraternities. After rush, you can go to the parties if you have friends there, but if you don’t know anyone you most likely won’t be able to get in.
How happy are you with the weekend options at Trinity? Is there anything you would change about them if you could?
It’s pretty relaxed and we don’t go partying every weekend. There’s other non-partying stuff to do in San Antonio. I like going to the hookah bar around here with friends.

Campus Culture

How did you meet your closest friends?
I have two sets of close friends. One of them I met at the gym who have similar workout interests, and the other group is from my classes. We spend a lot of time together because we’re studying.
How would you describe the overall social scene at Trinity?
At Trinity, you basically make friends in the school’s [organizations and] clubs. You tend to hang out more with the people you have classes with. If you’re in the same major, you tend to have all the same classes so you form bonds with them. It’s very centered on which educational path you take on campus.
To what extent do people of different races and sexual orientations mix socially?
To a minimal extent. Not that they’re not friendly with each other, but they tend to form groups here on campus. I have a mixture of friends, but for the most part, they’re minorities. [The undergraduate population is 56% White, 4% Black, 6% Asian, and 18% Hispanic.
How would you describe the Hispanic community on campus? How strong is it?
It’s pretty strong on campus. We all hang out a lot and there are a lot of people who go clubbing with us a lot.
To what extent do people in Greek life and not in Greek life mix socially?
They mix pretty well. I know a lot of people in Greek life, but I didn’t rush because I have a lot of school work. They’re cool people and we’ll play sports together or they’ll invite me out. It’s a very accepting school.
If at all, how did being a first-generation college student affect your social transition?
It’s given me pride in not wanting to fail because I’m first-generation. It gives me the motivation to work harder to make my family proud.
How would you describe the student body?
Everyone around here is pretty friendly. Since it’s a small campus, even if you don’t know them by name you know [their face] so it would be weird if you don’t smile when you pass them. Everyone greets each other.
How do you like the size of Trinity in terms of undergraduate enrollment? How has it impacted your experience? [There are about 2,500 students at Trinity.]
The size is very small, but I think I like it. The classes I’ve had are very diverse, and I like being someone the teachers recognize. My biggest class has been about 50 students. [There’s a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. In Fall 2019, there were 6 classes with 50-59 students.]

Careers

Have you learned any computer programs or computer languages that will be helpful professionally?
I took an essential information system course at Trinity and they helped me learn a lot of basic stuff about technology. I use RStudio a lot. It’s a system that helps you analyze data.

Financial Aid

Have you used financial aid? If so, how easy is the office to work with?
They’re very responsive. Last summer I messed up my financial aid and the office kept emailing me but I didn’t check my email often because it was summer. I got in a hole, but they helped me get out of it and put everything back in order. I’m happy with the office.