As the University counts down to Commencement, UConn Today is featuring some of this year’s outstanding graduating students, nominated by their academic school or college or another University program in which they participated. For additional profiles of students in the Class of 2012, click here.

Although Anne Zinn came to UConn with the intention of becoming a teacher, she has found that she can make a bigger difference outside of the classroom. A mentor, coach, or facilitator in almost every role she plays, Zinn has actively served her community and pursued her many interests every step of the way.

A native of Eastford, Conn., she has been working in the Office of First Year Programs and Learning Communities since her sophomore year. She serves as a mentor for the UConn Connects program and the First Year Experience program. Zinn is also a co-leader of the Girl’s Group in the Mansfield Youth Services Bureau, where she acts as a counselor for young girls who are dealing with difficult family issues.

During her junior year, Zinn received some startling news that forced her to reconsider her major. In November 2010, she was diagnosed with a rare eye disease called Stargradt’s. Because of this disease, she will be legally blind by age 40. When she was first diagnosed, her doctor advised her to change her major because of the eye strain caused by reading and writing, but Zinn’s response was an immediate no: “[I said] ‘I’m not changing my major.’ I took a while to land on English because I love it, and I’m not moving away from something that I love.”

There is not much information on the disease or whether she can do anything to control it, but this does not discourage Zinn. “I’m not going to change based on something that’s unpredictable,” she says.

Thanks to her own unflagging sense of purpose and support from her family, Zinn has gradually learned to cope with the disease. She turned to writing creative non-fiction as an outlet, and has found her path re-shaped yet again. “It’s been a very interesting year for me, and writing has been a big aspect of that. It’s an interesting journey,” she says.

Maria Martinez, assistant vice provost for the Institute for Student Success and director of the Center for Academic Programs, says that Zinn is not only a great student but also a remarkable person. “Anne has shown exceptional commitment to her educational goals while dealing with profound life challenges. Her strong character and desire to consistently pursue excellence make her an ideal leader for any organization.”

After graduation, Zinn will work full-time for the Office of First Year Programs for a year, and will use the year to determine what she wants to pursue in graduate school. “Whether it’s going to be a teaching program, a publishing program, a journalism program I’m still unsure of,” she says, adding that she is leaning toward creative nonfiction.

Despite the challenges, Zinn is proud of her personal growth at UConn. “When I was in high school and in the beginning of college, I was painfully shy. The biggest thing that I’ve taken away from my career here is the fact that now I can get up in front of a classroom and be comfortable. It’s been an amazing couple of years.”