Madeline Trisket '26

Madeline Trisket ‘26 | Classics major

After switching her major a few times, Madeline Trisket ’26 found her calling: classics. Through engaging courses and community engagement opportunities, Trisket learned all about ancient history while engaging in faith-centered service at Saint Anselm College. 

Why did you choose to study classics?

I initially came in as a Studio Art major because I enjoyed pottery and planned to also study secondary education so I could be an art teacher. I added a Classical Archaeology minor and then when I enjoyed it, I switched it to my major because I realized I didn’t want to teach and have always liked history. I took almost all the classes for it and then switched to a Classics major after falling in love with the languages. I enjoyed archaeology but I liked learning about languages more. I love traveling and going on excavations, but I thought for me, knowing more about classical languages would be more practical in the long term.

As a Classics major, what topics do you cover?

Classics majors take ancient Greek and Latin and learn history through the languages—it’s basically all about ancient history. Some classes are slower paced because they involve translating, breaking down, and analyzing poetry and prose in ancient texts. You also learn about the personal impact the writer has on history and whether their stance was factually accurate or not. 

Did you study abroad at Saint Anselm?

Playing softball makes it hard to, but during the summer I went on a six-week archaeological dig in Orvieto, Italy through the Archaeological Field School. It was the perfect opportunity because it was for credit and long enough where it seemed like a study abroad. On the weekends and I got to travel and see so many other places. The trains made it super easy to access different parts of the country. 

Did you enjoy it?

It was honestly maybe the best experience I’ve ever had. You need to go there knowing you won’t always have things go your way. I worked for many hours Monday through Friday under the sun surrounded by a language I didn’t understand in a country I was unfamiliar with. It was challenging, but I really enjoyed it. I came back with so many new relationships and I really wouldn’t be where I am today without it.

How has your experience been as a Saint Anselm athlete?

It’s been challenging, but I think I've grown a lot from it. Since I have so much on my plate with softball, I’ve been able to balance a lot more. College in general teaches you that, so I really feel like I’ll be okay when I get to the “real world.” 

Are you involved in any extracurriculars on campus?

Aside from softball, I serve as Classics Society vice president. I also worked at the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center for my entire Saint Anselm career which was awesome! I got to set up the gallery, paint the walls, and work closely with the monks who run it. I also did Club Ultimate Frisbee which was super fun because it allowed me to be involved with another sport which can be tough with softball. I’ve also attended several Delight meetings, which is a non-denominational women’s ministry group on campus. 

What was your favorite class you’ve taken?

I’ve had a lot and it’s hard to pick one, but one of my favorites was Ancient Athletics. I learned all about Greek, Roman, and Egyptian athletics and competitions which gave me a much deeper appreciation for sports. We looked at everything from gladiator matches to track competitions! I grew up very invested in athletics and played tons of travel sports, so seeing where things originated is cool. Now when I watch track, I find it so much more interesting because I know the story of where that event came from. I also really enjoyed my language classes. 

Why would you recommend coming to Saint Anselm?

At Saint Anselm, you can know everyone but also have distance. It feels slightly big but small at the same time in that way. It’s also beautiful—I love hiking on the trails, walking around campus, and seeing people. There’s a good culture of saying hi to people and holding the doors for others. It’s academically challenging given the number of requirements you need for a major and coming here gives you a great opportunity to learn about Catholicism. I’m Presbyterian, but I’ve really grown to understand the Catholic faith and see the beauty of it. 

What’s something students should get involved in?

I really enjoyed participating in Anselmian B.R.E.A.K. through Campus Ministry. It’s a service trip during winter break and you get assigned where you’ll be going. My group ended up travelling to New York City and staying at a retreat center called The Center at Mariandale. They set up a ton of service opportunities for us to help both the earth and people. I’m from New York (not the City) but I’ve been a few times and didn’t enjoy it. When I found out that’s where we were going, I wasn’t too excited, but when we were there, I was surprised at how peaceful it was! I got to grow my faith and socialization skills. We did a lot of agricultural work like packing seeds and learning the importance of growing and eating organic food. 

What else did the trip entail?

We volunteered at a food kitchen and did something called Midnight Run, which is an organization that provides clothing donations, food, and beverages to the City’s homeless population. We were in Times Square from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. handing out food and talking with the homeless. I was surprised at how safe I felt, and it was nice being immersed with them. It really humanized them and the experience really changed my outlook on life. 

Do you have plans for when you graduate?

I’m really excited to do something with my major, but even if I don’t, I know I’ll be successful because Saint Anselm has given me such a well-rounded liberal arts education. I might try to teach Latin, but I’m also interested in more physical jobs that involve farming or gardening.