Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn mainly for the Digital Media & Design Program. After attending an Open House, I realized it was everything I was looking for and I could not pass up an opportunity to be a part of it. UConn was also the ideal size I was looking for in a university, with a dominant history in athletics and a wide range of student activities to participate in.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am a Digital Media & Design major with a concentration in Digital Media Business Strategies. I chose my major because I was looking for a program that incorporated business concepts, like consumer behavior, digital marketing, and social media analytics, while still encouraging creativity throughout. Before reaching the higher level courses relating to business strategies, I was required to learn various skills from motion graphics to web design, which helped shape me into a well-rounded content creator and strategist.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I was lucky enough to form a relationship with a few DMD professors throughout my time at UConn. I always enjoyed Professor Murphy’s business courses and their open-discussion format that allowed students to learn from one another. I was also fortunate enough to take a couple classes with Professor Lawry and got the chance to pick his very knowledgeable brain about digital branding and consumer behavior on a daily basis. Lastly, I will never forget how much I learned in the one course I took with Professor Scheinfeldt. His insights on digital culture laid the foundation for my understanding of several concepts throughout my time at DMD. Professor Scheinfeldt was also my Honors Program advisor and gave excellent advice on navigating my UConn and post-grad career.
What was your favorite class and why?
I think my two favorite classes were Consumer Behavior and Digital Branding. I want to be a successful entrepreneur in the future and those classes taught me fundamental principles about both starting and maintaining a business.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation include continuing to grow a startup that I launched in early 2020. I utilize the skills I learned in DMD by assisting small businesses with all of their digital needs. A lot of business owners either don’t understand how to or don’t have the time to keep their online and social media presences current and engaging. I also plan on doing freelance graphic design/motion graphics design for record labels and media companies in New York City.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that took me by surprise my freshman year at UConn was how small the school felt once I was an active student. The campus and student population seems massive from the outside, but once you become a part of the UConn community, it feels much smaller and more manageable. You pass the same people on the way to class everyday, you create relationships with people in a variety of different majors, and your network of mutual friends begins to grow very quickly.
What’s your favorite thing about UConn?
My favorite thing about UConn is that it has everything. With student-led organizations, stores, restaurants, and more, there is never a shortage of stuff to do on campus. Many people say that UConn is in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing surrounding the school, but that doesn’t matter when everything you need is already there for you!
What activities were you involved with on campus?
Throughout my time at UConn, I was involved with Greek life, HuskyTHON, the Social Media Analytics Command Center in DMD, Agency X in DMD, and many on-campus jobs in my field of digital media.
What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
All students should attend basketball games at Gampel Pavilion during their time at UConn. The school pride shown during games is unparalleled, and the Gampel production team does a fantastic job in making the fan experience fun and exciting.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
UConn has prepared me for the next chapter in my life by offering me amazing opportunities to create content for the yearbook, the Office of Communications, and UConn Athletics. The experience I gained with jobs throughout the semesters paired with the skills I have learned in DMD have made me the young professional in the field of digital media that I am today.
What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
In a DMD Sound Design class, I learned about the importance of implementing quality sound in my videos. I will never forget the demonstration that Professor Miller did to prove that clean audio can actually trick an audience member’s brain to believe the visuals are better as well. Since that day of class, I have made it a priority to not only shoot great video, but record exceptional audio as well.
What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
I had never been part of creating a film until I came to UConn. I was always interested in the film industry, but never thought I’d get a chance to have a major role in several short films! I had also never been part of producing a major event, like a Division I college basketball game, but at UConn I was able to cue the graphics for the video board at men’s and women’s basketball games inside Gampel Pavilion!
What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
I think seeing a husky will always make me think of UConn. I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot and filming a short video with Jonathan XIV and since then I have wanted a husky of my own.
What’s something good about UConn that not many people know?
Many people may not know what a great resource Horsebarn Hill is for students at UConn. It is an excellent place to unwind and watch the sunset or take a study break and pet the horses. Also, in the winter, it’s a great sledding hill and in the warmer weather it’s a great spot to go for a jog or do some yoga!
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
My advice for incoming first-year students would be to attend the initial meetings for clubs and organizations in the first few weeks of classes. The more groups you meet with, the more likely you are to find the people you relate to and could potentially become lifelong friends with.
