Letter From the Editor: I Now Pronounce it “Cool to Care”

Olivia Silvey ’25

Editor-in-Chief

Last spring semester, I started off the publication cycle by talking about the importance of student activism. In fact, our entire first edition was centered around student activism at Trinity throughout the years. In this editorial, I’d like to build on that idea, focusing on our power as a community even beyond organizing and advocacy. 

This February is an especially crucial point in America and in the world. I don’t think I need to rehash many of the troubling headlines that have bombarded us over the past few weeks – we can rely on the monolithic media companies for that. Instead, I want to focus on what the next few months might look like on our campus. 

This semester, we must begin to let go of the unseen social pressures that cause us to isolate and reject one another. I am not the first one to say this, but “not caring” is simply not cool anymore. Yes, that includes caring about politics, but I’m talking more about our day to day social interactions with each other. Do you know the people that live in the Crescent next to you? Are you able to have a conversation with that person who lives across the hall as you’re both brushing your teeth in the communal bathroom? If you needed an extra Tide pod or fork could you knock on their door?

These are the types of questions I’ve been asking myself lately. I’ve been thinking a lot about how you do not have to like someone in order to get along with them; in fact, it’s even more important to lean on and be leaned on by people who aren’t in your social circle. Unfortunately, Trinity struggles with creating and sustaining that kind of community, even as our brochures and newsletters say otherwise. 

I have seen it, though – glimmers of this possible community. It was there at the encampment in May, as we depended on each other to problem solve, strategize, battle the rain and take out the trash. Even with multiple disagreements and long late night arguments about what to do next, we still took care of each other. 

Community has been there in so many of my classes throughout my time at Trinity. I love when students – almost complete strangers to each other – awkwardly form study groups that last until the end of the semester (shoutout to last spring’s Italian 202). We have a common cause; regardless of peer dynamics, students come together to help each other through the end of finals week. While it may seem mundane, it’s important. 

I’d love to see more of this – students that typically do not overlap socially, coming together. Additionally, I think many would agree that this coming together should also happen outside of the classroom and organizing spaces. Invite a “class friend” to hang out on a Friday night (it doesn’t have to be anything over the top – a movie at Cinestudio or a board game sesh will do). Compliment someone if you like their outfit on Vernon Street instead of purposefully averting your eyes. Talk to that person that you’ve never had a conversation with at the pregame. 

While I strongly believe in large acts of community building, I think those best happen when we make small, daily efforts. If all of the suggestions above still terrify you or feel unrealistic, use the multitude of events coming up on campus this February to bridge that mental gap. On page X, you will find the Multicultural Affairs Council’s Black History Month calendar of events, which include movies, on-stage productions, academic talks and more. Pick one (or two, or three) and show up, listen, enjoy. There are so many opportunities on campus to overlap with others, and I guarantee you will feel a little more lighthearted, hopeful and human after one conversation, one exchange or one simple moment of connection. I urge you to take these ideas into consideration, especially if you feel shielded away from the various people and experiences at Trinity. Even if you are comfortable where you’re at, if you could spend the rest of your time here surrounded by your lovely friends, it’s time to step out of the bubble. I swear, it’s cool to care about each other. 

With peace and love,

OPS