What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I’m graduating as a music and psychology dual-degree student in the Honors program, with concentrations in viola and voice for the music degree, but I started out in the music education program. I made the switch in my first semester at UConn once I realized that I didn’t actually want to teach. I decided on music and psychology because I had been interested in psychology since early high school and wanted to continue making music however I could.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
It’s definitely given me a lot to think about. I’ve reconsidered what I want to do with my life considerably because of my time at UConn. UConn has given me many opportunities that I never thought I’d have, such as being able to work in a lab and run my own psych studies, and being able to have a recital and other performances. All these opportunities have helped me widen my horizons and gain valuable experience for my future ventures.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I found it surprising how I never got tired of campus. You’d think that after living there for about three years I’d feel burnt out of being there, but even up until we had to move out because of the pandemic, I was still learning new things about campus and the surrounding area. Even though UConn’s campus isn’t as large as other schools’, there’s a lot there hidden in plain sight. For example, I only learned there was a bakery behind Whitney in my third year at UConn when I started working there. Admittedly, I liked taking walks all around campus in my free time while I lived there, so I might be better acquainted than most, but it’s still definitely one of the more surprising things about UConn.
What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?
If you have the opportunity and means to do so, you should definitely study abroad. Going to Strasbourg was one of the highlights of my time at UConn, and was definitely a factor in my interest in my music major. Just having the chance to go somewhere new for cheaper than it might otherwise be is another huge plus to studying abroad, whether it’s just for a few weeks in the summer or a whole semester. Also, if you’re at the Storrs campus, you should climb Horsebarn Hill at least once. I remember one spring semester where my friends and I would walk up there every day when we had a spare hour or two between classes, just because we could and the weather was so great.
What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
I have a small bamboo plant that I got in the first week of freshman year at UConn. I’ve taken care of it since and it has grown almost three times its original height. It was always in my dorm at UConn, and is still alive at my house. As long as it lives it’ll serve as a reminder of UConn and all the experiences I’ve had there.
