Perhaps your recognize Patrick Robinson’s friendly face and charming personality from class, strolling the long walk, or hanging in the Cave. He’s an IDP student with an incredible story and we were lucky enough to catch up with him this past week.
Patrick has a long history of overcoming adversity. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland where he lived until moving to Long Island, NY before settling in Connecticut at age 17. He went to three high schools in four years, ultimately graduating from Simsbury High. Since then, he has been through an array of experiences throughout his life. After joining the Navy in 1976, he was dismissed in 1981. He then bounced around for several years before his first encounter with Trinity College. Patrick worked with Chartwells for two years where he had a great experience cooking in Mather. He’s not only friends with many members of the staff that are still here, but even trained some of them, including Al, Tony, Rose, and Trevor. Having always been true to himself and his attributes, he was committed to serving quality food to the students. When things didn’t work out at Trinity, he moved to up and down the east coast looking for somewhere new to call home. A traumatic experience back in Baltimore inspired Patrick to return to Connecticut where his aunt and her partner inspired him to set his life back on the right course. He graduated a drug rehabilitation facility in Newington in 2006 and decided to make the most of his second chance. In 2009 he returned to Trinity—this time as a student. Through the IDP program, students like Patrick have up to 10 years to complete a degree. It was difficult adjusting to a rigorous academic schedule, but Patrick has adopted the motto that if he doesn’t earn it, he doesn’t deserve to have it. That being said, he works hard every day in his pursuit for a degree and a meaningful college experience.
Patrick describes Trinity affectionately as his sanctuary. He considers it a place to reestablish his dignity. He has the utmost respect for his classmates, the professors, and the facilities. When asked about his three favorite things at Trinity, he thoughtfully answered they were the quality of education, the camaraderie, and the beautiful campus (we agree!). His noble goals and accomplishments make Patrick an inspiration to the 400 other veterans he lives with at a veteran house in Rocky Hill. He often tells them the many stories of his experiences here and the great people that he has befriended. With a grin on his face, he confidently remarked that being a student at Trinity reinforces everything he was ever taught and feels like he is finally living the life that his Aunt and Grandmother wanted him to live.
Having been through so much in his life—from his family’s experiences with abuse, drugs taking away part of who he was, and not having a stable home—he still always has a smile on his face and an optimistic outlook on life. Patrick reminds us that there’s always something to be thankful for. No matter what is thrown at you, including the many things can bring you down, it is never too late to take charge of your life. His humble appreciation for the same opportunity we’ve been given as students here at Trinity reminds us all how lucky we are.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Trinity chapter.