Class of 2022 Student Profile: Madison Levine

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Madison Levine
“Get involved and explore new things! I am so grateful that I did so many activities and tried new things throughout my time at UConn,” says graduating master’s student Madison Levine ’20 (ED), ’22 MA. (Photo courtesy of Madison Levine)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Biology Education

Hometown:

Carlisle, Massachusetts

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn because I wanted to go to a big school with many opportunities and groups of people. Also, knowing that I was going into education, UConn was the perfect fit with an integrated bachelor’s and master’s program.

What’s your major and why did you choose it? 

My major is biology education. I have always loved working with kids and found a love for science growing up because I could connect it to myself. Biology education was the perfect career. I love helping students see where they are already doing and using science in their lives to connect their experiences to science.

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be a middle school science teacher at John Lewis Invictus Academy in Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia!

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I was a student coordinator for the Honors Initiative for Prospective Students (HIPS) and a member of UConn Future Educators. I was also fortunate to have participated in an alternative spring break through Community Outreach in Detroit and tutoring at both Windham High and Mansfield Middle School! I also worked at the cafes on campus!

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has set me up with so many experiences, especially within the Neag School, making me feel more than ready to start teaching. Each placement in a new school helped me learn how different schools function and gave me many great mentors to look up to in the teaching world.

“UConn has set me up with so many experiences, especially within the Neag School, making me feel more than ready to start teaching.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I feel like I am leaving UConn with such an amazing community of support. I have made lifelong friends, connected with professors, and learned from some great teachers, and I can’t wait to be able to collaborate with them for the rest of my career!

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

Get involved and explore new things! I am so grateful that I did so many activities and tried new things throughout my time at UConn. They have truly made me into the person I am today!

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

Go on an alternative spring break or be involved with community outreach in other ways! Not only did I meet some of my best friends, I feel like my mindset about education and my future was shaped by the experience.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

It is so hard to choose just one; both Grace Player and Danielle Filipiak are amazing! I am so sad that I only crossed paths with both of them my last semester at UConn. Still Intro to Critical Pedagogy and Multicultural Education have been the best classes I have taken at UConn. Player’s love and care for her students inspires me to continue to form relationships with students and co-create spaces of love, joy, and resistance. She has shown me what an outstanding educator looks like and helps pave the way to being a critical and just educator for me. Filipiak has challenged me and led the way to ensure that we are doing the work to make school a place for all of our students to be heard and loved. I am forever grateful to them for helping me grow as an educator and showing me love and patience as I continue to learn.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

Basketball. I am a UConn basketball fan for life now!

Class of 2022 Senior Profile: Lucas Knight-Vezina

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Lucas Knight-Vezina
“Every year try to join something new! The university experience provides so many opportunities, but it is on you to take advantage of these new experiences,” says graduating senior Lucas Knight-Vezina ’22 (ED), ’23 MA. Photo courtesy of Lucas Knight-Vezina.

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

English Education

Hometown:

Tolland, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

UConn was my first-choice college because of its school of education. I was very impressed by the Neag School of Education and thought it would be the perfect fit as I pursued a degree in secondary English education. I grew up in Tolland, Connecticut, so I was also fortunate enough that I was 20 minutes away from my hometown, giving me enough independence but the convenience of a quick drive home when I needed a home-cooked meal.

What’s your major and why did you choose it? 

I am an English and secondary English education major! One of the ways I frame my major is by discussing storytelling. I see the English education major as a way for people to connect through the power of storytelling. One of the significant components of my classes is reading other people’s stories. We read about the lives of historical figures, unheard heroes, fictional characters, etc. All of these stories give readers a glimpse into someone else’s life. This is a valuable opportunity in teaching compassion. Through reading, synthesizing course objectives, and writing, students can start to practice the act of compassion through the medium of storytelling. If I had to describe English education, I would discuss the journey you might take in reading about diverse people through the plethora of multicultural and region-based English classes.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will be continuing at UConn to finish the Neag School’s five-year IB/M program to get my master’s degree in curriculum and instruction!

What activities were you involved with as a student?

Endurance Club co-president: A long-distance running club for those runners that can never stop themselves from going the extra mile. After years of running, I have developed one of my lifelong passions into a more active role where I can teach what I have learned. I planned weekly meetings to discuss running techniques, led two group runs a week on campus, and prepared for months out-of-state races each semester. Community Outreach Department Involvement: coordinator of Alternative Breaks program; MYS COPE – weekly mentoring of Mansfield middle school students during the pandemic; volunteering at Windham Center Elementary School – for my first year, I volunteered in a third-grade classroom with the UConn America Reads program; tutoring at Windham High School: tutoring in a freshman Manual Mathematics class; UConn Rec Climbing Center: manager at the Climbing Center on campus where I spend most of my free time!

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has taught me to trust that every new experience is a learning experience. I have learned to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available––which this campus has so much of! At UConn, I tried to fill my time with memorable experiences and lean into the opportunities that challenged me to grow.

“UConn has taught me to trust that every new experience is a learning experience. I have learned to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available––which this campus has so much of!”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

How much walking you end up doing! It’s no joke.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

Every year try to join something new! The university experience provides so many opportunities, but it is on you to take advantage of these new experiences. Take a class that interests you outside your major, join a new intramural sport, find a new picnic spot for lunch, or study in that building you pass every day and wonder what happens in it. These are the experiences that I think of when I get sentimental about my undergraduate time ending, but it is also the ones that make it so memorable.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

A late-night walk around campus after a study session at Homer Babbidge. There is something magical about the campus when the lamp posts are on, and you get to enjoy the nighttime silence of a bustling campus for most of the day.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

I have been lucky to have phenomenal professors here at UConn, but Shareen Hertel is my favorite. I took her Comparative Perspectives on Human Rights HRTS 3212 class, and it inspired me to add a human rights minor for the second half of my college career. The class forced me to be disciplined and synthesize human rights accounts across the international sphere. Her lectures were insightful and, most importantly, very engaging. Her class set the tone for my work with human rights, and I was always grateful to have such an impressive introduction to the field.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

The UConn Dairy Bar has spoiled me and has created an ever-lasting impact when I have other ice cream brands! It’s just too good!

Class of 2022 Student Profile: Tyler Gleen

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Tyler Gleen
“Get involved and attend the school planned events; they are great ways of meeting new people that you may have something in common with,” says graduating master’s student Tyler Gleen ’21 (ED), ’22 MA. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Gleen)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

History and Secondary Education

Hometown:

Scotland, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose to come to UConn because it offered academics and extracurriculars that fit my needs to be successful. In high school, I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to run track at a competitive level and to be able to continue that into college. However, I also knew that I wanted to become a teacher, and so I wanted to attend a university that supported both ambitions. UConn had a competitive track team and had one of the top education programs around. I also didn’t want to be too far from my hometown.

What’s your major and why did you choose it? 

In undergrad, I had double majored in history and secondary education with a concentration in social studies. In my graduate year, I will be receiving my master’s in curriculum and instruction. I chose these majors because I had already known I wanted to become a teacher but wasn’t sure what I wanted to teach. However, I could then narrow it down once I became interested in the general education history course I was required to take. This was the first time I had a chance to learn about the history that wasn’t the cookie-cutter history we learned in high school. This sparked my interest and made me want to take more classes to teach me history that I didn’t know about previously.

What are your plans after graduation?

Sleep and relax. In all seriousness, I plan to continue my internship at E.O. Smith High School and coach their track and field team. I will also be preparing to teach at Farmington High School in the upcoming school year.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I spent most of my time practicing and competing for the UConn track and field team as a student. During the fall, we spent a lot of time training and preparing for our indoor meets, and then during the spring, we did most of our traveling for them. I was blessed to travel the country to states such as Florida, Georgia, Kansas, and quite a few others.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has given me the independence that many people need after leaving high school to grow. At UConn, I learned about time management skills, collaborated with others, and met different people with different ideas. UConn has given me plenty of opportunities to have a platform and use it to speak up about things I am passionate about. That is something I look to continue as I move into the next chapter of my life.

“UConn has given me plenty of opportunities to have a platform and use it to speak up about things I am passionate about. That is something I look to continue as I move into the next chapter of my life.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

When deciding on a college, I had a lot of hesitation about UConn because I always felt like it was the school that everyone in Connecticut went to. However, after being on campus for a few years, I realized that there are a lot of students and a lot of opportunities to meet new people. I was also surprised about how close of a community UConn is. I always felt like I would see someone I knew pass by as I walked to class or practice.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

Get involved and attend the school planned events; they are great ways of meeting new people that you may have something in common with.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

Every student should walk to the Dairy Bar and take a walk up Horsebarn Hill at least once. I also recommend sledding down the Horsebarn Hill after it snows.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

One of my favorite history professors would have to have been Professor Frank Costigliola. Professor Costigliola introduced new perspectives to American history that I had never heard of. This also was one of the few classes I always looked forward to attending and participating in. Besides the content of the class, Costigliola also made it clear that he cared for you as a student and valued your voice.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

Basketball games in Gampel. Attending basketball games at UConn is something that I will never forget and will always associate with me positive experience at the University of Connecticut.

Class of 2022 Senior Profile: Larrese Folk

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Larrese Folk
“Apply for that major, add that minor, join the extracurricular activity, don’t ever second guess yourself, know what you bring as an individual,” says graduating senior Larrese Folk ’22 (ED). (Photo courtesy of Larrese Folk)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Sport Management and Women’s Gender Sexuality Studies

Hometown:

New Haven, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

If I’m being frank, I came to UConn because it was the best financial decision. I knew I didn’t want my mom paying for my education. So, with the scholarships I earned and the money I was receiving, I decided to come here.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?

My major is sport management with a minor in women’s gender sexuality studies. I choose this being I have a genuine love for sports. I played football in high school as the only girl on the team, and it solidified things for me, my path, and what I desired to study and do in the future.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation are to hopefully work in collegiate athletics somewhere, either a part of the facilities and operations or marketing team.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

Two activities that I was involved in were my internships/jobs. I was an intern in the equipment department. It is where I learned how to handle inventory and budgeting for athletics. I’ve learned how we take care of athletes surrounding the pandemic. However, Operations was my favorite! With this job, I attended actual games and events, was part of in-game assistance, dealt with fans and built my network.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

With my job, internships, networking skills, and attendance of conferences, UConn has set me up for success, be more vocal, and take risks. I am no longer allowing myself to stay in my comfort zone. As a black woman in a white man’s industry, a white man’s world, I have to be stern, know what I want out of my career, out of life, and I feel like UConn has contributed to that.

“With my job, internships, networking skills, and attendance of conferences, UConn has set me up for success, be more vocal, and take risks.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

What surprised me about UConn is that the campus is so big with thousands of students, but once you get here, it can feel tiny and be considered comfortable. When you establish the group of people you’re going to surround yourself with, from going to the dining halls or having a friend group to celebrate spring weekend, it can feel small.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

For incoming first-year students, I would say nothing is off-limits, out of reach, and is too hard or too big. I saw this quote that says, “let your dreams be your wings,” and I wholeheartedly believe that. So apply for that major, add that minor, join the extracurricular activity, don’t ever second guess yourself, know what you bring as an individual.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

Every student should attend a SUBOG concert and all the sporting events that you attend. There is nothing like college sports at all.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

This, I feel is a trick question because I had a lot of professors that I loved. Starting with my two counselors, who are also my professors, Drs. Burton and Summer. Out of all the staff I encountered, these two women meant the most to me. Dr. Burton always recognized my hard work and determination. She’s allowed me to pursue my dreams of a sports career and always had my best interest at heart. With Summer, it is a bit more personal to the point where I’ve cried in her office when things got hard. However, she helps in any way possible to ease stress off of students and makes sure that I am on top of things like registration, etc. As I said, there are a lot of professors that I enjoy/appreciate: Danielle DeRosa, Justin Evanovich, and Doug Glanville.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

One thing that will always make me think of UConn is late night. I always used to go during my first year. The mozzarella sticks took all my points, karaoke night was a blast, and just building memories with my sister and friends through it all is what made it worth going.

Class of 2022 Senior Profile: Zene Charlton

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Zene Charlton
“No matter the circumstance, I would say that it is great to have something else on campus to be involved in that is purely leisure and fun to take your mind off academics,” says graduating senior Zene Charlton ’22 (ED). (Photo courtesy of Zene Charlton)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Elementary Education

Hometown:

Waterbury, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn because it is almost a no-brainer to apply due to being someone who’s lived in Connecticut for a large chunk of my life, but it is also synonymous with producing great teachers through the Neag School of Education.

What’s your major and why did you choose it? 

I chose to become an elementary education major because I have always had a passion for teaching. There are various educators in my family lineage, including my grandmother, who I believe started my love for teaching, which my fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Zurlo, then solidified for me.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, during the Fall semester of my master’s year in the Neag School program. I look forward to experiencing education abroad and closely experiencing a different culture.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

During my first two years at the Waterbury Regional Campus, I was involved in the Black Student Association and a small dance group. During my two other undergraduate years at the Storrs campus, I was involved in the Leadership of Diversity and Women of Color Pre-service Teacher Writing Group. Unfortunately, considering the pandemic made involvement quite difficult, I wish I could explore and experience more that UConn has to offer and join more clubs and organizations that pertain to past hobbies/extracurriculars of mine.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn’s Neag School of Education has helped gear me to be and feel more prepared to become an educator. UConn has also presented me with various opportunities, such as being able to teach abroad, which will broaden my horizons.

“UConn’s Neag School of Education has helped gear me to be and feel more prepared to become an educator.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

What surprised me at UConn is the prominent sports culture and school spirit. While walking around campus, you will always pass various students wearing school regalia. And as of this year, due to the return of all sporting events, you will almost always pass a sports game happening somewhere on campus each weekend, especially.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

Advice that I would give first-year students is to make time to be involved in non-academic activities. I will speak on behalf of everyone and say that the pandemic put a damper on many of our lives. For one, many UConn activities and events were halted, making it quite difficult to be involved and explore the campus’s amenities. Although, no matter the circumstance, I would say that it is great to have something else on campus to be involved in that is purely leisure and fun to take your mind off academics. It’s easy to get caught up in due dates, especially when we were confined to our dorms or home for a year, but it is key to have hobbies and other non-academic things to do. So, whatever that may be, create a healthy balance of work and leisure.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

Since I spent my first few years at a regional campus and had the pandemic affect my Junior and Senior years, I felt like I was able to experience only some of the main campus’ staple events and amenities. Still, I would say that visiting the Dairy Bar is one thing that every student should do. I’m not going to lie. I may be plugging myself when saying this due to being one of the 2022 seniors whose Senior Scoop flavor idea was chosen (seriously, check it out; it won’t disappoint :)), but in all seriousness, their ice cream is great. The Dairy Bar is an absolute staple of UConn and is right by Horsebarn Hill, another UConn must-visit. The landscape and the animals are a beautiful sight, making for a great place to enjoy some delicious ice cream. It’s also pretty cool to see the cows that help give us such a treat!

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Within the Neag School program especially, I have had various great, unforgettable professors to select from. I would say that the duo, Professors Douglas Kaufman and Grace Player, were truly unforgettable professors that made our senior English methods course so enjoyable and enlightening. They are two amazing people that created an equally amazing course!

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

Something that will always make me think of UConn is *drum roll please* … Huskies! I assume that anytime most UConn students and faculty pass this breed of dog, we think of our school. And honestly, I think this may be a forever association. 🙂

 

Class of 2022 Senior Profile: Bryan Carrera

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Bryan Carrera
“Make friends or acquaintances with anyone you meet because you never know when they’ll end up in your class, and you now have an extra friend for help,” says graduating senior Bryan Carrera ’22 (ED). (Photo courtesy of Bryan Carrera)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Music Education

Hometown:

New Haven, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I came to UConn because I’ve heard so many great things about UConn. My high school Band teacher went to UConn and spoke great things about it. When I came up to visit and shadow a student, I saw the countless possibilities and opportunities right before me and thought I could thrive the best here compared to other schools.

What’s your major and why did you choose it? 

My major is music education. I chose this path because my big plan in the future is to give back to the city that gave me all the life skills and lessons to become a successful person. So, striving for the best musicianship while also teaching real-life skills is how I would want to run my future classrooms.

What are your plans after graduation?

After my undergrad, I am coming back to UConn for my graduate year since I am in the Neag School five-year program and studying abroad in London for the fall semester. After my grad year, I will be applying and hopefully land a job as a music director (hoping for high school, but any grade is fine) and continue developing my philosophy and style as a future educator.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I was involved in many activities here at UConn. Since freshman year, I joined the UCMB (UConn marching band) and have been a part of it. I joined the marching band co-ed sorority. I co-founded the UConn jazz club. Joined the UCMB brass band, where we played for a TV station. I was part of the UConn symphonic band and wind ensemble. I participated in the pick-up soccer nights and played in some of the rec leagues such as co-ed soccer, men’s soccer, co-ed volleyball, and walley-ball. I was also part of the UConn pep band, where this past year I got to travel with the team to the Final Four in Minneapolis.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn offers so many classes, and through my experience, all the teachers I’ve had were great and always had time to help outside of class time. In addition, I got very close with my advisors, who helped me stay on track and put myself out there. They all taught me some life skills or lessons, whether it was learning how to apply to a job relating to my major or putting myself out there and networking to open up more opportunities.

“UConn offers so many classes, and through my experience, all the teachers I’ve had were great and always had time to help outside of class time.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I was surprised by the number of opportunities that UConn has that are FREE and how willing they are to help you out if you need to pay for something. There is always someone you can call or connect with that can help you with whatever problem you have, and no one wants to see you fail, so they’ll always help.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

As a first-year (student), make friends or acquaintances with anyone you meet because you never know when they’ll end up in your class, and you now have an extra friend for help.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

Every student should take time for themselves and watch the sunset (or sunrise) on horse barn hill. This is probably one of the most beautiful and worthwhile moments you can experience during your time at UConn.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is Dr. Bernard. She was my Intro to Music Ed teacher and is now my advisor for the Neag School. She was always open with me and has been one of the biggest reasons why my time at UConn was so much fun and less stressful than most. She an incredibly smart educator and very caring and always helped me find the correct contact and help I needed.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

One thing that will always remind me of UConn will be watching any marching band, or pep band perform. My years at UConn wouldn’t have been the same if it wasn’t for my family in the UCMB. I have created lifelong friends and memories with them and will always remember them from now to the end.

Class of 2022 Student Profile: Jonathan Dos Santos

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Jonathan Dos Santos
“Take a chance, and don’t be afraid to fail. You never know what you are capable of until you try,” says graduating master’s student Jonathan Dos Santos ’20 (ED), ’22 MA. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dos Santos)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Mathematics Education

Hometown:

Bethel, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn as my school due to the numerous opportunities that the school provided me. After my first time stepping foot on campus, I knew that this was the place for me and that I would successful here. Another reason why I went here was to be with my family. My sister also went to UConn, and she only spoke great things about the school, which influenced me in becoming a Husky.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?

My major is secondary math education. I always loved doing math, and growing up, it was always my favorite subject. However, I fell in love with teaching due to my old job as a martial arts teacher. Constantly being around families and supporting the children’s growth in schools is something that I care deeply about, and one of the main reasons I chose this major. I also chose it because I am passionate about helping others and care strongly for the youth of America. I want to impact kids’ lives not just during school but for decades beyond.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation is to find a job as a math educator in a high school in Connecticut, preferably close to my hometown.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

As a student, I tried to do as much as I could. I participated in several clubs and met so many incredible people that I still know today. I spent most of my time on campus meeting new friends, going on adventures, and making long-lasting connections with other fellow Huskies.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has prepared me for my next chapter by teaching me how to be a good self-reflector. UConn challenged me always to be better than I was yesterday, and from this, I learned to always look for feedback and ways to improve myself. UConn has also taught me the connections we make here can last forever if we cherish them. I have met so many incredible people on this campus, and I am excited to watch them grow and prosper along my side.

“UConn challenged me always to be better than I was yesterday, and from this, I learned to always look for feedback and ways to improve myself.”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

One thing that surprised me about UConn is that there is so much to do. There are so many activities, clubs, extracurriculars, and other fun things to do on this campus that I’m confident everyone could find something they enjoy.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

My number one advice for incoming first-year students: Be comfortable being uncomfortable. I know it is easier said than done. But I am a firm believer that if I am always comfortable with where I am, that means I haven’t worked hard enough or done enough to put myself out there. Sometimes the best things in life come unexpectedly. Take a chance, and don’t be afraid to fail. You never know what you are capable of until you try. Signup for that club, go to that meeting, apply for that position, and most importantly: don’t hold yourself back from being the best version of yourself.

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

I would say to go to Horsebarn Hill to watch the sunset when it is nice out, it’s an incredible sight, and a can’t miss the activity on this campus.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor has been Anthony Rizzie, my professor for Calculus I and III. His teaching style was entertaining to watch, and I don’t think I missed a single class of his for the two semesters that I had him. I enjoyed coming to class and learning new math skills that I still practice to this day.  He also made an effort to connect to the students despite having so many of us. He always had math jokes he would tell us, and he just was very passionate about math which is what you always want from an instructor.

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

One thing is definitely when I plug in my headphones and go on long walks. It always reminds me of walking through campus. No matter where I’m walking, I remember my walks to class, the dining hall, the Union, and the Rec Center. So, I feel like every time I go for a walk, I think of my times on campus and all those emotions of being a UConn student.

Class of 2022 Senior Profile: Julianna Carney

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Julianna Carney
“I would advise first-year students to get involved during their first semester,” says graduating senior Julianna Carney ’22 (ED). (Photo courtesy of Julianna Carney)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2022 graduating students over the coming days.

Major:

Mathematics Education

Hometown:

Danbury, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

During my senior year of high school, I signed up to visit UConn as a Husky-for-a-Day. I got to shadow two current students and follow their school day. When I was on campus, I instantly knew this was the school for me! I loved the welcoming atmosphere, the friendly people, and the beautiful campus. After that day, I had no doubts in my mind: I was going to UConn!

What’s your major and why did you choose it?

My major is mathematics education. I come from a family of educators, so I have wanted to be a teacher since I was young. As I got older and discovered my passion for mathematics, I knew I had found my calling! I love working with students as they challenge themselves in math and build their confidence in the subject.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I will return to the UConn Neag School of Education to pursue a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. During the one-year program, I will complete an internship in a local school, conduct research for an inquiry project, and take education courses. I will also be working at the Q Center as a graduate assistant and teaching an FYE course for first-year students!

What activities were you involved with as a student?

As an undergraduate student, I wanted to be involved in everything! I worked as a resident assistant in the EcoHouse Learning Community in Werth Tower and Northwood Apartments. I also worked at the Adventure Center as an adventure trip leader. As for clubs, I was president of the Teacher Education Student Association, co-vice president of Future Educators, and a member of the Outing Club. I also enjoyed being an FYE Mentor, WOW Leader, and Community Outreach tutor.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has prepared me for the next chapter by developing my leadership skills. The most significant contributor to my growth and development in college was the many opportunities to serve as a leader. One of these opportunities was being a student teacher at Farmington High School this semester. It was an immense challenge to serve as a full-time high school teacher, but I have never felt more prepared to enter the field of education. The amazing support of the Neag School professors and faculty developed us into strong leaders, and I am so thankful for this community of educators!

“The amazing support of the Neag School professors and faculty developed us into strong leaders, and I am so thankful for this community of educators!”

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

What surprised me about UConn is how small the campus feels! When I committed to UConn, I was daunted by the size of the school. I was always lost during move-in, and I needed to use Google Maps to find everything. After a few days, I ditched the GPS and realized the campus was not as big as I thought. Now, I can’t imagine going anywhere smaller. UConn has the awesome opportunities of a large school with the interconnected community of a small school.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

I would advise first-year students to get involved during their first semester! One of the many benefits of going to a larger school is the countless organizations we have here. There is something for everyone, so go to the Involvement Fair and pick some clubs and organizations to try out. It is an incredible way to meet people, try new things, and develop your passions!

What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?

I think every student should go on a trip with the UConn Adventure Center! The UAC offers programs for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and other fantastic outdoor activities. The trips are a great way to get off campus while trying something new outdoors.

Who was your favorite professor and why?

My favorite professor is the math education program advisor, Megan Staples. I am so lucky to have Megan as a teacher and mentor, as her classes and guidance completely transformed my idea of what a math educator is. She has helped develop my skills as a leader of inquiry in the classroom and continuously grew my passion for the power of math. I can always count on her to support us as teachers but also as people. I will never forget the day she walked my entire class to stand outside my dorm room window when I was quarantined last year. She goes above and beyond to create a strong community of math teachers!

What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?

Basketball will always make me think of UConn! I am a huge UConn Women’s Basketball fan, and I love cheering from the student section at games. I’m glad to be returning to UConn next year, to keep watching games in Gampel!