Trinity Review: Celebrating Creative Expression at Trinity University

In celebration of National Poetry Month, let’s explore Trinity University's student-led literary magazine, the Trinity Review. Read more about how the Trinity Review provides student creators with a valuable platform for artistic expression and professional development.

The Power of Words and Creative Expression

The Trinity Review stands as a testament to the enduring power of creative writing. Co-editor Martín Rosales ’27 describes creative writing as "a powerful art" that can create "real change in people's dispositions" through well-crafted stories and thoughtful poems. This passion for creative expression forms the foundation of the organization's mission to showcase student talent.

The Trinity Review serves as the primary campus vehicle for celebrating poetry and other creative media throughout the academic year.

A Student-Led Creative Platform

The Trinity Review operates as a completely student-led publication under the guidance of faculty adviser Kelly Grey Carlisle, Ph.D. For 2024-25, the magazine was led by two co-editors: Martín Rosales ’27, an English major with creative writing and history minors from Fort Worth, Texas, and Sandra Gurrola ’25, an English and computer science double major from Lubbock, Texas.

These editors oversee a team of dedicated student volunteers responsible for maintaining the publication's website and social media presence, collecting and reviewing submissions, editing accepted works, and designing the magazine's layout.
 

"Everything is volunteer-based, and so the team putting in so much work to publish others' creative works makes the whole thing a work of passion and care," explains Sandra, highlighting the dedication that drives the publication's success.

Professional Development Through Publication

For students interested in publishing careers, the Trinity Review offers invaluable hands-on experience that extends beyond classroom learning. Staff members gain practical skills in editorial decision-making, publication design, and production management. The co-editors coordinate directly with printers and oversee the entire publication process from submission review to final distribution.

"The Trinity Review has given me the opportunity to have hands-on experience with every stage of publication and a meaningful way to contribute to my community," Sandra says. "The journal allows for me and the team to have complete creative freedom with the publication and the ability to help build up other community members."

This experiential learning component provides students with professional publishing experience in a supportive, low-risk environment. For contributors, the Trinity Review offers a meaningful first step into the world of publication that can inspire continued artistic pursuits beyond graduation.

Developing Critical Editorial Judgment

One of the most valuable skills students develop working for the Trinity Review is the ability to make difficult editorial decisions. As Martín explains, literary magazines bear the responsibility of curating content within space limitations. Learning to critically evaluate submissions and sometimes decline works—even when the impulse is to accept everything—develops professional judgment that transfers to many fields.

"Having to say 'no' to certain submissions and telling people that they have to be critical whenever they review pieces is something I believe to be unique to the Trinity Review experience," Martín says. This aspect of the Trinity Review experience teaches members to balance empathy with necessary critical assessment, a skill set that proves valuable across numerous professional contexts.

Celebrating Multiple Creative Media

The Trinity Review embraces a wide spectrum of creative expression. The publication features poetry, prose, music, photography, art, and other visual media submitted by Trinity students.

This multidisciplinary approach creates opportunities for students across academic departments to showcase their talents and contributes to a vibrant campus culture that values artistic expression in all its forms. By publishing works across various media, the Trinity Review demonstrates how different creative approaches can complement and enhance one another.

Publication Schedule and Community Building

The Trinity Review publishes two issues annually: a digital mini-issue in the winter and a print edition in the spring. Throughout the semester, the organization also hosts open mic events where students can perform their creative works and connect with fellow artists.

These events build community among creators at Trinity and provide performance opportunities for students to share their work directly with audiences. The culmination of each spring semester is the release party for the print edition, when contributors receive physical copies of the publication featuring their work—a moment of pride and accomplishment for everyone involved.

Celebrating Spring 2025 Publication

As National Poetry Month continues, community members are encouraged to celebrate the voices of Trinity's creative community by attending the release party, reading the latest issue, or perhaps submitting their own creative work for future publication.

Follow the Trinity Review on Instagram @thetrinityreview to stay up-to-date on their upcoming events and calls for submissions!