Despite only being in her junior year, Sara Heridia is already planning her financial contributions to Trinity. In fact, she can often be found encouraging other students to do the same.
A Political Science major, Heridia, 21, is the associate director of philanthropy and service of the Student Ambassadors at Trinity. Her job is to promote university donation among current students. She believes that increasing charitable gifts to Trinity will help make attendance more affordable and accessible to a larger number of students.
“It’s important that we encourage students to give by reminding them that someone invested in them, which will eventually give them the salaries they earn in their future careers,” Heridia says. Herself a recipient of institutionally-based aid, Heridia acknowledges that her ability to attend Trinity is almost entirely due to the generous gifts of donors.
Recognizing that most other Trinity students benefit from institutional aid as well, Heridia also believes that many of them take this financial support for granted. As a result, she has put a lot of time and energy at the “I Heart TU” and “Tuition Stop” events, informing students about the importance of donating to the university through various activities such as games.
Jim Stryker, Trinity’s associate director of annual giving who has frequently worked with Heridia, said that her mission-based approach to philanthropy is what makes her a unique asset to the Ambassadors. “I think where a lot of Ambassadors have been driven by the total number of dollars raised, Sara has put a lot of focus on ways our organization can make a tangible impact on campus,” he says.
Though some students may argue that their post-graduation achievements will benefit Trinity more than their financial contribution, Heridia feels that giving back is also just a great way to say “thanks” to the university for its positive impact on her learning, social connections, and most importantly, personal growth.
"Before coming to Trinity, I used to feel like I had to tone down my personality," she says. "But becoming an Ambassador has exposed me to alumni, faculty, and staff that appreciate me, and are great mentors as well.”
Benjamin Brody, a junior and Heridia’s teammate in the Mock Trial Club, sees Heridia's philanthropic passion as representative of her giving and principled nature. “[Sara’s] humility is particularly striking," says Brody. "Though [her] principles are always driving her decision making, she never imposes them on those around her. This is what I mean when I [emphasize] her humility.”
But for Heridia, her modesty stems from a lack of self-confidence, which used to hinder her from sharing her passion for philanthropy with others. Since joining the Student Ambassadors in her sophomore year, however, Heridia has felt more comfortable expressing her naturally bubbly personality. “I have become much less shy and more confident as a result of the [outgoing] presence and networking ability that is expected of my position,” she says.
Hoping to create an even more formative experience for those assuming her role in the future, Heridia is currently working with other students and advisors on the Ambassador Executive Board to expand the leadership opportunities. While these changes may take some time before becoming official, Heridia is enjoying learning from the current seniors and looks forward to passing along her own knowledge to the newest group of Ambassadors, who will join her in the fall.
Jim Stryker, Trinity’s associate director of annual giving who has frequently worked with Heridia, said that her mission-based approach to philanthropy is what makes her a unique asset to the Ambassadors. “I think where a lot of Ambassadors have been driven by the total number of dollars raised, Sara has put a lot of focus on ways our organization can make a tangible impact on campus,” he says.
Though some students may argue that their post-graduation achievements will benefit Trinity more than their financial contribution, Heridia feels that giving back is also just a great way to say “thanks” to the university for its positive impact on her learning, social connections, and most importantly, personal growth.
"Before coming to Trinity, I used to feel like I had to tone down my personality," she says. "But becoming an Ambassador has exposed me to alumni, faculty, and staff that appreciate me, and are great mentors as well.”
Benjamin Brody, a junior and Heridia’s teammate in the Mock Trial Club, sees Heridia's philanthropic passion as representative of her giving and principled nature. “[Sara’s] humility is particularly striking," says Brody. "Though [her] principles are always driving her decision making, she never imposes them on those around her. This is what I mean when I [emphasize] her humility.”
But for Heridia, her modesty stems from a lack of self-confidence, which used to hinder her from sharing her passion for philanthropy with others. Since joining the Student Ambassadors in her sophomore year, however, Heridia has felt more comfortable expressing her naturally bubbly personality. “I have become much less shy and more confident as a result of the [outgoing] presence and networking ability that is expected of my position,” she says.
Hoping to create an even more formative experience for those assuming her role in the future, Heridia is currently working with other students and advisors on the Ambassador Executive Board to expand the leadership opportunities. While these changes may take some time before becoming official, Heridia is enjoying learning from the current seniors and looks forward to passing along her own knowledge to the newest group of Ambassadors, who will join her in the fall.
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