For Jack Higgins, UConn has been an opportunity to hone his public policy skills and experiences, not only as a student, but as a research assistant and intern in the U.S. Senate. But it’s also been a time to appreciate the simple pleasures of disc golf , Storrs on an autumn day, or the payoff for waiting in line to get front-row seats at Gampel Pavilion. As Higgins heads off to his next adventure, this approach will serve him well, because, as he notes – college experience equips you for life, but it goes by quickly.
Why did you choose to go to UConn?
The beautiful campus and incredible research opportunities available to students were big factors in my decision to come to UConn.
What’s your major/field of study, and what drew you to it?
My interest in public policy and law drew me to political science. I also knew that UConn had a great political science program that I was very excited about getting involved in.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
Professor Shareen Hertel, who is jointly appointed with the Department of Political Science and the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute, has been an incredible mentor and advisor during my time at UConn. My favorite class was a national and cyber security course that I took with Arthur House.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I played club disc golf and was involved with on-campus organizations like the Undergraduate Philosophy Society and Law Society. I also got the opportunity to work as a research assistant.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised by how small the school can feel after a year or two. At first, UConn can feel huge, but it really shrinks and starts to feel like home very quickly.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m planning to work for a year or two in the public policy area conducting research before applying to law school.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
At UConn, I haven’t just learned a ton about the topics I’ve studied, I’ve learned how to learn efficiently, think critically, and apply my knowledge. I’ve learned how to conduct research, improve my writing, and I’ve gained important professional experience. No matter what the next chapter of my life holds, I’m confident that UConn has prepared me well.
Any advice for incoming students?
Get involved as much as possible. Join on-campus organizations, ask professors about the research they’re doing, and take classes that interest you even if they don’t fall within your major. Most importantly, spend your time at UConn intentionally. It goes quickly!
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Sit in the front row at a basketball game at Gampel. It’s well worth the wait in line!
What will always make you think of UConn?
Autumn leaves. I think that UConn is always the most beautiful in the fall. The foliage on campus and in the surrounding area always looks incredible in late September and early October.
How has being a student in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences impacted your UConn experience?
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Political Science have provided me with some incredible opportunities during my time at UConn. The CLAS faculty and staff have taught me so much and have been incredibly helpful. I was able to become a research assistant through the Bennett Honors Program, which helped me build research skills and relationships with professors that shaped my time at UConn. I was also lucky enough to spend a semester interning for Senator Chris Murphy in Washington D.C. through the UConn Honors Congressional Internship program — an incredible experience that taught me so much.
