Why did you choose UConn?
When I was in the recruiting process for schools in the US for field hockey, I talked to many different universities. I ended up choosing UConn because they have an exceptional field hockey program as well as other successful sport programs and on top of that they are a very good public school.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
Coming to UConn I was interested in biomedical engineering, but after a year I figured out that it is not the right path for me. I liked how the exploratory major within the first two years allowed me to explore different options, because in Germany I would have had to choose one profession from the beginning on. Then I chose between Psychology and Sport Management and decided for Sport Management, since sport is a passion of mine and I am fascinated by the power of sport in the world. Especially in America, lots of different sports are popular and I wanted to learn more about it.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
It is difficult to choose a favorite professor, because there are many great professors at UConn. I really enjoyed taking public speaking with Rory McGloin, although I don’t like public speaking at all. However, he made lectures fun and it was easy to listen to him because he is a phenomenal public speaker. Within the Sport Management department my favorite professors were Dr. Joseph Cooper and Justin Evanovich. Their classes were really interesting, and I enjoyed their style of teaching.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was EDLR3547W: Introduction to Sport-Based Youth Development with Justin Evanovich. I really liked this class because it was engaging and very interesting. We learned about the inequalities and inequities within society and the American system, especially in relation to youths’ access to education and sport opportunities. At the same time, we were also required to engage with a community in Hartford for a certain number of hours. It was great to get to know people from different backgrounds and learn from each other. I was not only able to notice concepts we talked about in class, but I also made valuable experiences and learned for life.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I am planning on going to grad school at Durham University in England. I want to pursue my master’s degree in Management, while also playing for the field hockey team of the university.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
UConn wouldn’t be what it is without the people. I was surprised by how welcoming and friendly everyone. You are part of a great community that supports you no matter what. It taught me to be a better version of myself and always support my fellow UConn peers.
What’s your favorite thing about UConn?
There are plenty of things I love about UConn. One of my favorite times at UConn is the fall. The trees turn into so many different colors and it looks gorgeous. I love driving around when the weather is nice because it always lightens my mood.
What activities were you involved with on campus?
I served as a field hockey representative in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to act as a liaison between student-athletes and administrators to discuss matters concerning UConn, the American Athletic Conference, and NCAA communities while organizing community outreach events. As part of the International Sub Committee Executive Board I assisted international student-athletes assimilation process by breaching the gap between cultures. Moreover, I was a volunteer for Husky Sport. Husky Sport is a community-campus partnership that uses the power of sport to support youth and college students’ development through shared teaching, experience, and learning.
What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
One thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn is watching a sunset or sunrise at Horsebarn Hill. I prefer watching the sunset and it’s best with an ice cream from the Dairy Bar and with your best friends. Another thing that everyone should do is try to go to a game/competition of each sport. We have lots of good sports teams, and even if you don’t know much about one particular sport, just go and check it out.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
UConn has prepared me for my future by providing me with knowledgeable and exceptional professors that taught me in various different fields and classes. Education builds the foundation for my future career and I am really thankful that UConn has given me this opportunity. Furthermore, UConn has offered lots of networking opportunities and other events that prepared me for my next chapter and allowed me to build a network with peers, staff, and possible future employers.
What’s something you learned in a class that you’ll always remember?
One thing I learned in class is to be a continuous learner and ask critical questions. Pretty much from everything you experience you can take away something and learn from it. Even if you are not in the classroom or if you have graduated from college, you can continuously learn something such as skills or knowledge. Moreover, if you are presented with facts or other information remember to critically engage with it.
What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
Since I am from Germany, there are a couple of things I had never done before UConn. I’ve had s’mores and mac’n cheese for the first time, and I also saw my first-ever football game.
What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
I’ve made so many great memories during my time at UConn and I think these will be triggered by various things throughout my life. However, I think seeing a husky will immediately make me think of UConn and all my unforgettable experiences.
What’s something good about UConn that not many people know?
Not many people know that UConn has one of the best and most successful field hockey programs in the nation. Check out one of their home games, I am sure you won’t regret it. Also, after the game try the nachos at Ted’s. They are the best!
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
ENJOY EVERY SINGLE MOMENT! Four years might seem like a long time, but it goes by way quicker than you think. Just now with the coronavirus, I have had my last ever college class with my best friends before Spring Break without even knowing it. You just don’t know what will happen, so you have to embrace the now. Use every opportunity to make new friends and get to know the people around you. Go on adventures with your friends, eat together, go out and have fun. Try to complain less about schoolwork and enjoy learning. Go to panels, speeches and other events, even if you don’t want to. There is always something you can take away from it. Just be yourself and make friends and memories for life!
