Margot Eversdyke is a joiner. As soon as she arrived at UConn, she signed up as a Husky Ambassador, and worked for Residential Life in the summer before her sophomore year. Since then, it’s been one opportunity after the other to serve her community, both at UConn and in the world beyond campus, from completing 250 hours of service with preschoolers to interning at a feminist arts journal.
After she graduates, she’ll be joining another worthy organization, serving pregnant and parenting women in Arizona through AmeriCorps. And after that? Whatever the answer, she’ll always be a sterling example to other members of the community she joined four years ago: the University of Connecticut.
Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn because of the opportunities, the familiarity, and the people. With over 100 majors and more than 700 student clubs and organizations, I was excited to explore my interests academically and socially. Additionally, UConn was a familiar school to me; my brother, Colin, graduated with an Economics degree in 2017, and many of my friends from high school had gone on to continue their education at UConn as well. Lastly, UConn is a large university with so many people to meet and learn from!
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
My major is Psychological Sciences, and I have minors in English and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). As a freshman, I started in the Academic Center for Exploratory Studies (ACES) as an undeclared major. I decided to pursue psychology because A.P. Psychology was my favorite class in high school, and I was curious to expand upon my knowledge. I added an English minor due to my love for writing and added WGSS shortly after as I strive to bring an intersectional lens to any work that I do.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to move to Arizona for the summer to work at Maggie’s Place as a live-in AmeriCorps member, serving pregnant and parenting women through Trauma Informed Care. From there, I aim to continue my involvement in the nonprofit sector.
What activities were you involved with as a student?
As a student I have been involved in clubs, on-campus jobs, internships, volunteer positions and leadership opportunities. As a freshman I was a Husky Ambassador and worked for Residential Life over the summer. As a sophomore, I volunteered with Jumpstart and America Reads to complete over 250 hours of service with preschoolers. I also worked as a Week of Welcome (WOW) Leader and for the Office of the Registrar. As a junior, I was a member of the inaugural cohort of the CLAS Women’s Leadership Collective, and was inducted into Psi Chi, The International Honors Society for Psychology. I also interned with Wild Tongue, a feminist arts journal at UConn. Currently, I am a member of the CLAS Student Leadership Board and I am an Outreach and Engagement Intern with the Center for Career Development. I am also proud to be a 2019 and 2020 Babbidge Scholar!
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
I advise all first-year students to enroll in at least one class that doesn’t seem to directly relate to their major or current field of interest. As a first semester freshman I took Calculus and enjoyed the challenge. Currently, I’m in my second semester of American Sign Language and I love it! Try to push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone early on, and you’ll be surprised how many things you’ll learn!
What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?
Get involved with Community Outreach! Whether for a One-Time Service Project or a Semester Long Program, there are so many immersive and meaningful opportunities to engage with the larger community. I learned so much by volunteering with Jumpstart, as well as MLK Days of Service and Day of Caring.
What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
Huskies, basketball, and windy days will always make me think UConn!
