Michael Trinidad

Michael came to CSU as a mature-age student. He worked as a Student Ambassador leading campus tours and became familiar with St Martin’s College through the tours. He liked the feel of Marties and when he heard the 2-bedroom flat was available he jumped at the opportunity to live here.

Living at Marties, Michael was surprised by how much he enjoyed building friendships with the young people, particularly watching them mature and grow. His Filipino heritage had instilled in him a passion for cooking in large quantities, and he quickly built relationships in the Marties community by cooking for the other students. His flat became known as “The Flat Restaurant” (complete with a logo and flashing ‘Open’ sign), where he regularly shared his love for good food with other residents.

Michael’s lifelong love of learning, variety and interesting experiences has led him to study and work in diverse areas. Education was his first area of study and work, followed by years spent in customer service and food & beverage service. He studied Vet Tech and works as a sessional academic within the Vet School. Michael also manages Charles Sturt University Winery and Cellar Door, where he is working to increase community engagement activities within the university and the wider Riverina community. In 2025 he started studying a Bachelor of Wine Business.

Michael enjoys meeting people, talking to people and listening to people, so as to better understand the perspectives of others and to build network connections that open doors. He believes in “the value of meeting a diverse group of people.” He says, “It’s easy to think that the way you think is the way the world thinks, to live in a bubble. We naturally surround ourselves with people who think similarly.” He likes to open his mind to different things, to how people view the world, to listen to others. He is also aware that he doesn’t have to agree with them.

Michael encourages students to go beyond just knowing a fact, e.g. knowing an answer for an exam or assignment. He advocates for students to extend themselves by exploring ‘why’ something is true.

Although he is no longer a resident here, the values of St Martin’s continue to resonate with Michael. He describes it as “a safe space, where family and community are the priority”. At Marties people are encouraged to participate, to become part of the community. It may not be a good fit for everyone, for example people who want to be left alone. It’s a place where the individual is catered for.

Michael’s belief in the values of St Martin’s led him to set up two accommodation scholarships available to students each year in dedication to his family, the Laurel-Trinidad Accommodation Scholarships.