Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

Scholarships:

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

I didn’t know I wanted to be a teacher until the semester before the Neag application opened. I was unsure of what I wanted to do, but I started working in a local elementary school as a classroom assistant the semester before. I was placed in a bilingual classroom and was working with kids who had just come to America. Working with these kids and watching them learn made me so happy. Knowing that I played a giant impact in their life helped me realize I wanted to do this. I wanted to help kids learn new things, and I wanted to be there as their minds continued to expand and grasp all this new information presented to them. I knew I wanted to play an impact on their life for the better!

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

My favorite class is the “Teaching Language Arts in Elementary School” with Doug Kaufman and Grace Player! This is one of the intense courses we take in the fall of our senior year. This class is taken in a week, and at first, I wasn’t sure how I would manage sitting in front of my computer from 9-4 p.m., but the time went by quickly. I learned so many different techniques and creative ways to teach language arts. They both brought in different guest speakers, most of which have provided us with so much knowledge. I especially love that they have shown us different ways to be more diverse in our classrooms, especially when choosing our class books. I have found myself using many of the diverse books recommended to us through this class for my current student teaching placement. They are wonderful professors, and I loved their inclusion through this class.

“I am ready and prepared to go into the world with the incredible amount of knowledge I have learned throughout my UConn years.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

I think what I have accomplished that I am most proud of is being able to (student) teach through my computer. I was placed in a first-grade bilingual classroom, and the experience has been incredible! Even though my experience has been virtual, I have still been able to connect with my students and their parents. Plus, I have seen just how much they have grown academically. When I first started, most were at a kindergarten level, and now most of them are right where they are supposed to be! I am so proud of them, my cooperating teacher, and myself learning despite everything going on around the world!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I will be pursuing my master’s degree in curriculum and Instruction. I also hope to get certified for educating bilingual learners! Eventually, I hope to have my own bilingual classroom or to teach abroad!

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

UConn has prepared me in more ways than one! For starters, they have given me various opportunities to prepare myself before I teach. From having the opportunity to intern in different classrooms to learning material I would have never known, I am ready. I am ready and prepared to go into the world with the incredible amount of knowledge I have learned throughout my UConn years. Plus, having worked for the Office of First Year Programs and Learning Communities, I learned transferable skills that have even helped me (student) teach! All my experiences at UConn interconnect and have helped me feel prepared as I enter the real world.

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn has shaped me into the person I didn’t even know I could be! I came into UConn not knowing what I wanted to be or do with my life, and I am walking out knowing what I want to do. Despite everything that occurred, from stressing over exams to dealing with a pandemic, I have survived. We all have survived! Everything good and bad throughout my time at UConn has shaped me into the person I am today!

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Significant, transformative, unique

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

Deciding what major you want to pursue is always difficult. Don’t be afraid to branch out because in doing so, you might just find what you want to do for the rest of your life. Once you find what you want in life, don’t be afraid to follow and achieve your goal(s)! Everything will work out 🙂

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share?

Don’t forget to be happy and enjoy it all!

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

Currently involved with Diverse Educators Making Outstanding Change (DEMO) and Leadership in Diversity (L.I.D.)

Scholarships:

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

I chose to study this major for two reasons: First and foremost, I never realized how much of an impact education had until high school. Unfortunately, a close friend of mine took her life due to relentless bullying from students and limited help from staff. I wish there would have been more action taken for the sake of my friend, as we had a plan to come to UConn and graduate together. In her honor, I decided to pursue education to preach the golden rule (treat others the way you wish to be treated), and hopefully inspire and create a positive learning experience for all of my future students. As for my second reason, I’ve always had teaching in the back of my mind ever since I was a little girl. I would come home from school only to share and teach what I had learned with my parents and grandparents. I even assigned and corrected homework I had written myself to be just like my teachers.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

This is a tough question, as all of the Neag School of Education professors were amazing and inspiring. It’s wonderful to see that there are so many people who loved what they did so much that they want to take the time to help others onto the same successful path. If I had to choose a professor in the Neag School of Education who made a huge difference in my academic career, it would be Mary Truxaw. Not only was Truxaw an outstanding mathematics methods professor, but she was also a wonderful, considerate, funny, and caring academic advisor. From recommending the best courses to take to helping me organize my academic schedule, she was incredibly helpful in every aspect possible. I’m so grateful to have had her as a professor and an amazing academic advisor, and I wish her nothing but the best in her retirement endeavors!

“UConn’s Neag School of Education has done an amazing job preparing me for my future career thanks to the unique experiences of student-observing and student-teaching.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

While graduation itself is an amazing accomplishment, I would have to say I’m most proud of the fact that, in all four years of my college career, I have never once decided to give up. I had many obstacles to overcome during these past four years. One very recently being the passing of my grandfather right after Christmas Day back in 2020, I am still grieving his loss to this very day. It breaks my heart every day knowing he won’t be here in person to see his first granddaughter graduate from college. However, I know he’s still present in my life because I’ve never stopped, nor will ever stop, taking his advice: “No matter how hard things get, and they eventually will get very hard, don’t you ever give up!”

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After I graduate with my bachelor’s degree in elementary education, I will continue to study here at UConn for another year to complete my master’s degree in Elementary Education. Once I have successfully obtained both degrees, I would hope to start my first year of teaching as soon as possible. I would love to have my classroom and begin to make a positive difference for many students.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

UConn’s Neag School of Education has done an amazing job preparing me for my future career thanks to the unique experiences of student-observing and student-teaching. UConn did a wonderful job expanding my horizons as a young educator by allowing me to get involved in various schools in different settings. My current placement, for example, is a compañeros classroom, where I get to work and learn with wonderful ELL students. This is an amazing opportunity that I know I probably wouldn’t get anywhere else, and it’s these experiences that have helped me become the confident, career-ready individual that I am today.

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn has helped shape me into a better individual overall. Specifically, I came to UConn my freshman year with little confidence in my abilities, mixed feelings and doubts about my major of choice, and a relatively closed mindset. As I continued my journey here at UConn, I slowly become more open-minded and confident about what I can do and what career I want to pursue. Currently, I’m open to all new ideas and love the fact that I now have an amazingly open mindset. I’m also the happiest I’ve ever been with my career choice, and I’m proud to say that I’m very confident in my abilities, both as an instructor and performer.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Dedication, career, surprises

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

They always say that high school will be the best four years of your life, but if you’re truly passionate about a career you have to study for, then that’s simply a lie. Academically speaking, college will undoubtedly be much more difficult than high school, but the college experience is unmatched. You meet so many amazing and diverse people, your opportunities are endless, and if you come to UConn, you will receive an education from some of the best professors out there. Most importantly, college is the best time to find yourself and discover who you truly are, and you will certainly meet at least one person who will support you on that same journey. So, with that in mind, my piece of advice is: Enjoy your time here at UConn while you can, because time flies by too quickly. It still feels like I started my college career just yesterday, but I now find myself graduating college in about a month with the blink of an eye.

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share?

Take the time to take care of yourself! Treat yourself!

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days. Crovo also appeared in UConn Today’s feature about graduating seniors.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

UConn Future Educators: membership outreach chair; UConn Club Water Polo: team leader; UConn Community Outreach Service Days: program leader; UConn Husky Sport (2021)

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

EDLR 3547: Introduction to Sports Based Youth Development with Justin Evanovich. This class opened my eyes to new perspectives and having critical conversations in a university classroom. The class allowed me to question the system in which we are in that is considered “normal.”

“UConn has given me the experience that allowed me to grow as a professional, especially in my field placement as a student-teacher at Windsor High School.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

The thing I am most proud of throughout my college experience is widening my world perspectives, especially through my Alternative Break in Detroit, Husky Sport, EDLR 3547, and my clinical placements. All of these experiences supported my journey in broadening my perspective on the importance of words, language, systems, and generalizations that people typically use and make daily subconsciously, which have a large impact on the world around us.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I will be continuing my education to earn my master’s at UConn in educational psychology. Then I plan to teach somewhere in the greater Hartford area as a special education teacher.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

UConn has given me the experience that allowed me to grow as a professional, especially in my field placement as a student-teacher at Windsor High School. I have found a placement and setting I truly love, and it has put me in various special education settings that helped me to explore an array of possibilities over the last two years.

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn provided me new perspectives on the environment around me and gave me a life experience that I have never had before.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, flourishing, active

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

Find your community. There are so many places on campus where you can find a space where you can grow and feel comfortable, and it is so important to take healthy risks and find that space.

“(Don’t) be afraid to try new things and make connections … (don’t be) afraid to reach out if you need help,” says graduating senior Elizabeth Canavan ’21 (ED). (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Canavan)

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

UConn Marching Band, UConn Connects Mentor, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society

Scholarships:

Juros Scholarship, Bernard Sippin ’52 Scholarship, Klein Family Scholarship, Sidney Skolnick Fund Scholarship, Neag School Alumni Board Scholarship

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

Growing up, I always looked up to and appreciated my teachers in K-12 schooling. I knew that I wanted to go into the education field. Upon reflecting on my past, I noticed that even though math was my favorite class in school, most of my peers despised the subject and thought that they were inferior in their math classes. This upset me, and I realized that I wanted to combat the negative stigma that math has while supporting my future students.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

For my math degree, my favorite class was MATH 3710W: Mathematical Modeling with Dave McArdle. It was nice to take my collegiate math knowledge and apply it creatively directly to the real world. For my education degree, my favorite class was my methods courses with Megan Staples. This is where I was able to bond with the math education cohort and learn in-depth about pedagogy and the interworkings of teaching.

“I feel more prepared to continue with my higher education to learn even more and then go into the field with an educated perspective!”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

Honestly, I think that my current placement as a student teacher is what I am most proud of. Not only is this experience a culmination of everything I have learned thus far in my undergrad around education, but it also has been a unique experience this year due to the global pandemic. At the school that I am at every day for my teaching placement, they have in-person and remote students in all of the classes that I teach. Navigating teaching for the first time while trying to navigate virtual teaching has been a rigorous yet very rewarding experience. The connections that I have made with my students and the school staff have only reassured my decision to pursue teaching as a career, and I cannot wait for the future!

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After graduation, I will be pursuing my master’s degree within the IB/M program here at UConn’s Neag School of Education.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

My experience in the Neag School has prepared me for my future career. The student teaching placement is an integral part of UConn’s teacher education program, and it has helped me grow immensely as a future educator. This experience, combined with methodology classes and work with advisors, has enriched my understanding and prepared me for the future. I feel more prepared to continue with my higher education to learn even more and then go into the field with an educated perspective!

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn has allowed me to grow as a person and has given me so many new opportunities, experiences, and connections. Through my involvement on campus, I met new people and made connections with people from all different walks of life. My involvement in the UConn Marching Band, UConn Connects, and Dining Services, I was able to work closely with others and enjoy the community that I was a part of at UConn. Even though my undergrad career was not typical because of the pandemic, I relied on these connections that I made at UConn to support me through these trying times. I learned that the people you are with completely alter the experience you have, and I am lucky to say that I have met some amazing people during my time here at UConn!

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Enjoy the Connections

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

I would advise new UConn students not to be afraid to try new things and make connections. Whether attending a new club, introducing yourself to someone down the hall, or staying after class to talk to a professor, they all can alter your experience. Another important piece of advice that I have is not being afraid to reach out if you need help. College can be a very unique and also extremely stressful time; making sure that you take care of yourself is important, and part of this is asking for help if you need it. No matter if this means you ask a friend, mentor, advisor, or professor for help, their support will enhance your experience and create a connection that can help you through the hard times.

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share?

I work at a local bakery/cafe in my hometown as a baker!

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

UConn Club Soccer; Jumpstart; Special Olympics Assistant Coaching; Special Olympics Committee

Scholarships:

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

I chose this major because of how rewarding it can be. I have worked with individuals with disabilities since I joined unified sports my freshman year of high school. I loved how the most simple social interaction could brighten up their days. I want to make a difference in these students’ lives for the better and allow them to join the real world one day with the required skills.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

“At UConn, I have become more confident in the things that I do, especially in leadership positions.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

At UConn, I have become more confident in the things that I do, especially in leadership positions. During my sophomore year, I was part of Jumpstart; I was a member of a team that had a “team leader” who was responsible for all that needed to be prepared to effectively teach the kids. Halfway through my first year, I took over the role of being team leader once every four times that we went into the school due our usual team leader’s other obligations. The following year I took over as the leader of my team. Going into the year, I didn’t know what to expect and was quite nervous, but this is where I gained my confidence to teach. I was responsible for eight group members and 20 children. I needed to make sure they were all doing their part while I was doing mine. It was stressful but one of the most rewarding things I have done here at UConn.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn has helped shape me as a person in many ways. The most important is the leadership aspect of my personality. I have always been the person who will step up if someone needs help, but now I will be the first to step up to lead things that I know I am capable of doing. For example, this past semester, I took the responsibility as the coordinator of the Special Olympics assistant coaching program. Although COVID kept me from doing much, I was confident enough to know that I would be capable of taking that position over and do what needed to be done.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Rewarding, Busy, Inspiring

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share?

I went to Spain to play soccer instead of going to college but left two months into the program to attend UConn second semester to get a degree.

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

Scholarships:

Dr. Victor Rizza Memorial Scholarship, Paula Riggi Singer Endowed Scholarship, Hamilton Sundstrand Challenger 7 Science Education Fund

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

I initially chose to pursue chemistry education because of my passion and interest in chemistry in high school. However, as I continued through my studies, I was drawn towards assessment analysis and the intersection of social justice and science education.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

My favorite professor, hands down, is Todd Campbell. He has had unwavering support for me since I met him, and I have been so fortunate to work with him throughout my time at UConn. Campbell has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and professional, and I am forever grateful.

“I would not be where I am today without the countless opportunities to connect with and learn from others at UConn.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

Student teaching during a pandemic.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

Live.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

I absolutely would not be where I am today without the countless opportunities to connect with and learn from others at UConn.

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

Without UConn, I would not have met one of my closest friends.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

Arduous, Ever-changing, New

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

Take the class that you have a sliver of interest in just to take it. Find professors who share similar passions and interests as you and connect with them.

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share?

Sunday breakfast sandwiches at South Dining Hall hit differently.

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Sport Management

Extracurriculars: 

President of the Dominican Student Association; co-coordinator for the UConn 2021 Sport Business Conference; UConn men’s basketball student manager; sports director at WHUS 91.7 FM; owner of a clothing brand – I AM-ABLE

Scholarships:

One from the National Dominican Day Parade

Hometown:

Bronx, New York

Why did you choose to study this major/minor? 

I chose this major because of my ambition to work within the sports industry one day. This was one of the better programs in the country, and so it caught my attention. I wanted to be in a program that helped me and led me on the right path to be as successful as possible.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why? 

My favorite professor is Danielle DeRosa. Ever since I officially came into the Sport Management program last year, she has been there every step of the way. Whenever I had any questions, needed help with graduate school options, or needed recommendations, she was there. That and the knowledge she has provided me with are things that I deeply appreciate and will take with me throughout my career.

“With all of the amenities UConn has provided me with, I can confidently say that I am well prepared to go into the professional world right now and make a positive impact.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of? 

I am most proud of everything that I have taken on throughout these last couple of years. I have challenged myself more than I ever have. From student manager all the way to my most recent challenge as the sports director at WHUS, I have grown both as a person and professional. If it were not for all of my extracurricular[s], that would not have happened, and I would not have made the connections that I have made.

What do you plan to do after you graduate? 

I plan on going to graduate school for my master’s in Sports Industry Management at Georgetown University. 

How has UConn prepared you for your future career? 

With all of the amenities UConn has provided me with, I can confidently say that I am well prepared to go into the professional world right now and make a positive impact in whatever organization I am in. The variety of classes given by the Sport Management Program focus on different fields, which will allow me to have a wider range of options to choose from when applying for jobs.

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

As a person, I have gained tremendous life skills such as being true to myself, managing my time, and consistently paying attention to detail. While it can be said that those skills are more professional than personal, I believe that to be the best, you have to have those instilled within you and use them on a day-to-day basis with your friends, family, and even strangers. I have learned a lot about myself through those skills.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be? 

Insightful. Accomplished. Growth.

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn? 

I would say to not rush into things and to focus on being your own person. Do not think that just because one person does one thing a certain way, that you need to do it the same way. Your path should be unique to you and nobody else. You are the only one walking in your shoes and the only one who truly knows what you want. Also, make sure to challenge yourself. Try new things, but do so if that is what YOU want. If you do this, you will see the growth you make throughout the years, especially in such a big school such as UConn, where there are many things to do.

Do you have anything else interesting you’d like to share? 

In your own way, try to positively inspire, impact, and influence those around you. Help lead the people that come after you to greatness, just as those that helped you.

Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2021 graduating seniors over the coming days.

Major:

Extracurriculars:

Scholarships:

CT Minority Teacher Scholarship; William Caspar Graustein Memorial Scholarship

Hometown:

Why did you choose to study this major/minor?

Through the years, I have learned that working in your passion is not an actual job! Instead, it is an opportunity to earn an income while enjoying life. From an early age, I realized that my passion is to help children succeed. Malcolm X once stated that education is a passport to the future, and I want to be a person who provides children with stamps. I truly believe that every child can be whatever they want to be if they are willing to learn, work through adversity, and work as hard as possible.

Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?

This is a tricky question. I have met many terrific professors through my time here at the University of Connecticut. Doug Kaufman, Thomas Levine, Joe Madaus, and Ellen Cavanaugh stand out, but Grace Player is my top choice. I met Player at my in-person interview, and her personality and presence solidified my desire to be accepted into UConn. I felt that way after our initial meeting because I met a minority woman who earned a doctorate. In my 38 years, I have only met one other minority woman with that title, but she was much older. That made me feel like UConn gives people who look like me opportunities. However, my praise for her does not end there. I was able to study under Player during my first semester here at UConn. She was leading our multicultural education course, which is the reason I selected her. That class opened my eyes to being culturally responsible as an educator. Her presence and the way she navigated through the tough curriculum were admirable. Player is an awesome asset to our university, and I pray that UConn continues to seek and hire more women of color, specifically with her personality.

“The Neag School is one of the top education programs in the country, and they have provided us with the best and brightest minds to teach us how to be an effective educator.”

What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?

Wow! Where do I start? First, I am a high school dropout. That alone is my biggest accomplishment to be here. To be considered for an honor such as this. I am team GED, and there are not many of us who fought through that adversity and shame to be called a college graduate. Especially from such a prestigious university. However, being the first person in my immediate family to earn a college degree will be my biggest accomplishment and provide a legacy for my nieces to follow.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

The Neag School offers an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree. Next year I will be completing my master’s degree! Once that is completed, I will begin to enter the workforce with the hopes of becoming a principal.

How has UConn prepared you for your future career?

The Neag School is one of the top education programs in the country, and they have provided us with the best and brightest minds to teach us how to be an effective educator. I am prepared to educate our future because of the researched-based strategies and pedagogies they have taught us!

How has UConn shaped you as a person?

UConn has provided me with a top-notch education and has taught me more about culturally responsive teaching than I ever learned before. That has truly shaped me as a person. UConn also provided me with networking opportunities and building relationships with people I would have never met before. Lastly, I have been able to work with UConn Connects and Husky Sport. Both of these organizations have brought me new perspectives that I will take with me.

If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?

What advice would you give to a student just starting at UConn?

You cannot teach work ethic. To be great, you have to be willing to do the work. That means sacrifices will have to be made if you want to succeed in higher education. Have a plan and be willing to give yourself grace!