Zion Trinidad (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and history)
About Zion
I am a first-generation college student born and raised on the west side of Chicago. I am also a twin, the youngest of five siblings, and the only one who moved away for college. While at U of I, I have had the opportunity to become a James Scholar, McNair Scholar, archives assistant, and writer's workshop consultant. Outside of school, I am usually cooking, watching YouTube videos on how to cook, or walking around the CU area listening to music. My top artists are the Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny, and Jhayco, but I like a little bit of everything.
Why LLS?
I chose LLS because I knew that I wanted courses that specifically looked at communities and histories that reflected my own. I wasn't entirely sure if it was going to be LLS until I took LLS 100 with Dr. Ramirez. Seeing the way he was able to connect the class content and concepts to the students in a way that was down-to-earth and approachable inspired me to do the same in history. Since then, I've only had great experiences with the faculty as every class has opened my eyes to new histories, perspectives, and ways of thinking.
Plans after graduating?
I would like to get a Masters and eventually a PhD but not right away.
Go to study-spot?
The Array Cafe in the Woese Institute for Genomic Biology building is underrated.
Advice for undergraduate students?
You can do anything but you cannot do everything, you'll burn yourself out way faster than you anticipate. Be okay with failure, you'll learn a lot more about yourself that way and at the end of the day, even if you do fail, you'll be okay. Take your time here to learn more about yourself, your anxieties, and good and bad habits (I highly reccommend Atomic Habits by James Clear). Finally, talk to your professors. Whether it's about something that interested you in a lecture, a question about the readings, or the dreadful deadline extension, most of the time professors are understanding and willing to work with you.