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Dear future CACT student,

One of the hardest ventures in college life is to interact in a class full of strangers who you have no connections with, and can't rely on outside of the classroom. Even harder is to do this for two semesters. In this program, you will have to work as part of a cohesive group with other members in the class over the course of two semesters, and it's a whole lot easier when you have that level of trust already established. If you see someone struggling or looking like they need a buddy, don't hesitate to reach out. More often than not, you'll end up cultivating close relationships with people you can depend on for years to come.

Good luck,

James Maciel
@jmacielandrews
203-508-0916

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Hi!

Welcome to a CACT and Hartford! You have so much care, support, meaning, and purpose ahead of you this year, and I am beyond excited to see the amazing things y'all do!

I don't have any particularly eloquent reflections on the year (though I do have lots of warm and fuzzy feelings), but I wanted to pass on two things that I wish I knew going into this year: lean on people and ground yourself in all that Hartford has to offer.

Entering college is scary (at least it was for me), and it is easy to feel overwhelmed. For me, whose home is far away, the initial transition was disorienting. But the beautiful thing about being in CACT is you have a wonderful group of caring, thoughtful, supportive people that are always there to cheer you on. Your advisor, Erica, is an amazing, amazing person and support system and will have your back whenever you need some extra care. And your mentors are there for you to lean on them, no matter what comes your way. You have this amazing built-in support system, and if you need it (which we all do sometimes), use it!

I also want to encourage you to get to know the city––and the people––of Hartford. Whether or not Hartford looks like your home community, it has so, so, so much to offer you. Walk off campus to parks (see my review for Pope park on the wisdom wall), check out some of the incredible local restaurants (not just West Hartford), visit local museums, and have conversations with the people you meet along the way. I have been blown away by the number of incredible folks in Hartford, as well as the incredible grassroots justice work being done here. And the best part is, you get to be a part of it! You are a Hartford resident now; treat it like your home, because it is.

Last but not least, try to be intentional about carving out time for care and connection. Schoolwork can definitely be a lot. It is so important to stay grounded in the things that fill you up. Make time for yourself and others. In my experience, it always pays off! :)

I look forward to seeing all of the amazing things y'all do! Please reach out if you need anything at all!

All my love,
Anna

Phone number: 847-767-2238
Instagram: @annagrantbolton

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When I first came to Trinity, I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but by taking diverse classes I realized I liked majoring in another thing. That is why it's okay if you don't know what you want to do or major in during your freshman year, but also be open and intentional about exploring your academic interests. This is the best time to take advantage of this opportunity.

You will find your group of friends eventually. Just put yourself out there, get to know people, and without realizing it, you will be forming friends that will be vital for your next 3 years of college.

Best,

Jeremias

Feel free to reach out. ig: jeremiasvazquez

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if you do cact correctly, you'll find some pretty gnarly friends

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One of the most important lessons I learned at Trinity was that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. There will be times when you are stretched beyond your limit, and during these times, it is completely okay to reach out to your support system for help. Professors are more than willing to offer their assistance with assignments, and they can also advise you on organization and time management strategies. Additionally, the friends you make at Trinity are going to support you in a major way. As you begin your first year, remember that everyone else in your class is also feeling the nerves (they are completely normal!). Welcome to Trinity! We all hope you love it!
-Amna Zeb
Insta: amna.zeb20

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CACT is an awesome class and they have really great mentors so reach out to them if you have questions. They are a great resource and they are good people. Also, self-care is important so take time and relax when you need it. Having a mental reset is necessary because burnout is real. Lastly, explore Hartford and just enjoy your first year.

Best,

Shayla

Feel free to reach out IG: shayla.whitaker

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Just like many other people have suggested, go out into Hartford! Eat somewhere cool, go to a park, and most DEFINITELY use all the opportunities that CACT provides to go to events, etc. I’ve eaten at so many places and attended so many cool events (for free!) because of CACT.

Sometimes this Gateway will feel like you’re taking 2 classes at once — one in the classroom, and one in the community. This can be super intense, but this is exactly why you have group members, mentors, and alumni. This class is definitely the time to learn how to ask for help in times of need.

Reach out to your mentors, and not just about CACT stuff. Ask them anything, even if you think it’s a stupid question.

Say hi to your fellow CACT members whenever you see them. You’ll be working with them all year and become close anyways!

You got this! My Instagram DMs are always open! @oliviasilvey :)
- Olivia

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If you're coming from far away like I was, one of the best ways to feel comfortable in your new environment is to take full advantage of our surroundings. As you learn more about Hartford in CACT and grow more acclimated to the changes, be sure to apply everything you're learning by actually venturing off campus! There are numerous places to explore that are just a walk away-- I recommend bringing a friend and trying out a new spot, even if it means getting lost together.

Know that the transition can be difficult, but you ARE here for a reason. The impact you will make and the people you meet will shape you in unimagined ways. By the end of the year, you will look at photos from the beginning of the school year and feel like you've aged decades. This process of growth will come from opening yourself up to new people, opportunities, and directions you may not have anticipated prior to coming here. Best of luck to you, and have a wonderful CACT year! <3

Best,
Ava

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Not sure who needs to hear this... and don't stress... but understanding your self worth in college is vital. It's a practice if you're not there yet, but these next 4 years are for you. It's not fair to yourself to spend time trying to impress other people, be someone you're not happy with, and feeling like you can't be content with yourself. You're allowed to be a little selfish. Take ownership of these next years.

-jack

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Be aware that Trinity offers so many opportunities for you to explore, learn and gain skills. Do take advantage of them! Professors, staff, and your peers want to see you succeed in your college journey, so do not hesitate to ask them questions or to get their support!

We're so excited for you to join the CACT family!

All the very best to all of you,

Myrian

Phone number: 860-522-9885
Instagram: myrian_ayala

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Dear future CACT student,

Welcome to CACT! And welcome to Hartford! You are going to love it here.

I might be a little biased, but I think that CACT-101 is where you’re going to meet and befriend some of the coolest people on campus––and possibly in the world. It’s the specialist, warmest, loveliest space to call yours as you start out here at Trinity.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all but just think of CACT as your secret weapon against it all. No matter how much work piles up, how many events saturate your calendar, or how stressful it is navigating all these firsts, just know that CACT has your back.

I encourage you to bask in the magnificence of the old buildings and vast space of green that stretches the length of the long walk––revel in the fact that your home looks like Hogwarts! But I also encourage you to seek out and be a part of all the beauty that takes place just steps away from campus.

You have the most charming city to call your home. It’s easy to narrow your field of vision to the iron gates that surround you, but there are so many places, people, and stories to get to know in Hartford.

Today I spent a quiet Sunday morning in Pope Park––only a short walk down Summit street. Sun gleaming high in the sky, me and my friend Anna (a fellow CACT student!) strolled down to the park. We circled around the hilly green landscape, passing by people who waved hellos accompanied by gentle smiles. We sat on a bench overlooking a baseball game.

A week earlier, we took another short stroll to the Mexican-American diner just off Summit Street. This time a slow Saturday morning. We were greeted with the warmest hellos and colorful, welcoming decorations. Gently moving through the morning, Anna and I chatted about mundane things, savoring food so delicious it had to have been made with the most attentive love.

Amidst the craziness of your first year of college, I hope you find the time to slow down. And I hope that you find the perfect places to slow down for. Always take the scenic route––Hartford has so many to choose from.

Lots of love,
Reese

ig: @reesesandiego
number: (217)-377-0426

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Dear future CACT student,

Given that you have enrolled in the Community Action Gateway, I imagine that you are interested in social justice. This is great! Hartford has plenty of options to get involved, whether it be through policy change or direct action. Even before you get fully settled in the city, start looking around social media and following organizations and activists.

Of course, not everyone is comfortable going to protests, for a variety of reasons. You don’t necessarily need to be out on the streets every weekend. I tell you this just so that I may hopefully convince you of how important it is to just get out into Hartford and talk to people. This is your city now, too. I hope that you will come to love it.

Feel free to reach out to me, I'm happy to help with anything you need.
IG: jobourbeau
Phone #: 978-500-6376

-Jules

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Your CACT group will become very close. I would encourage you to do things together outside of class with each other because having a close friend group outside of your normal friend group is a very special thing. Also, enjoy Hartford. There are lots of beautiful places and great restaurants you can go to. Most Trinity students don’t go into Hartford a lot so CACT is a really great opportunity to enjoy the city.

-Mina

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I definitely wasted so much time stressing about school and deadlines. I realized that it became an unhealthy amount of stress. So pleaseeee take a step back from work and ground yourself. College is also about having fun, trying new things, and meeting new people. Get out your comfort zone and find something new to do. And get off campus!!!
IG - @J3niss4
- Jenissa :)

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College is a new place and it's really hard to feel comfortable and know what you're doing, but sometimes that can be good! The best growth usually happens when we are out of our comfort zone and allowing ourselves to try something new. I suggest you all get out of your comfort zone and try something you've never done before.

708-252-8435
- Aisha Carothers

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Dear fellow CACTer,

I’m so glad you’ve made it here! I’m sure it hasn’t been easy, but you’re here and I’m proud of you. Welcome to Hartford–your home for the next four years– a city brimming with unique restaurants, beautiful green space, and caring people. I think you’ll like it here.

I’m writing to you on the morning of Sunday, April 24th from Pope Park. It is just warm enough to sit outside in a jacket comfortably (perfect sweater weather!) and I am sitting on a bench, next to my friend Reese, who is drawing in her journal. Spring has sprung here, and dandelions dot the bright green grass. Birds chirp sing-songily from old dark oak trees, which are just beginning to bud.

Our bench overlooks a kids baseball game. Some families sit on the bleachers, but most have brought their own foldable chairs. They are sitting close to each other, hollering for their beloveds, snuggled up in sweatshirts and a blanket or two. Behind the bleachers, a young child in a red hat is practicing his hitting. He swings confidently, though he misses most. Soon enough, he is pitching to his father, who is standing just a few feet in front of him.

Across the field I see kids playing with bubbles, running around trying to pop them. They swarm the patient adult, who dips down into a soapy bottle and extends her arm into the wind, making bubble after bubble. The children dip their hands down to the ground, trying to pop a bubble before the grass does.

To my left is a small pond, eddies moving quickly across the water. One duck floats peacefully in the direction of the wind. Along the shoreline, where the green grass meets the water, are newly blossomed ferns, their light green leaves still changing and growing and becoming.

When I finish writing this letter, and Reese finishes drawing the trees, we will walk along the pond, up the green hills, and through the narrow, winding roads back up to Summit Street. We will pass small restaurants and businesses, which will come alive with friends and neighbors and families in the evening.

I’m excited for us to fall in love with Hartford and all of the depth and beauty that our new home has to offer.

Your friend,

Anna