Samuel Agyei knows what tough competition is all about. A member of UConn’s Division I varsity track and field team, he brought that same inner fire to his studies and public service while working toward his degree. He put his allied health knowledge to work as a contact tracer for the UConn Health Leaders program during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, served for two years as a CAHNR ambassador, and overcame early challenges to earn a spot on the dean’s list and a New England Scholars award. After graduation, he’s got his sights set on a path leading to medical school, as well as more service projects in the community.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?

I chose to major in Allied Health Sciences. As someone interested in the medical field, I was excited to learn that there was a centralized major that specialized in most of the main health care professions that society relies on today. I also learned I would also be getting a comprehensive and complimentary introduction to many of the other healthcare professions. I’ve also had the opportunity to be surrounded by talented and intelligent students who share similar interests, passions, and ambitions regarding working in the medical field or a career path that intersects with other interests as well. Ultimately, I viewed Allied Health Sciences to be a major that would equip me with the necessary skills to support those in my community and give me the opportunity to advance my professional skill set and networks here at UConn.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan on taking a post-baccalaureate program to enhance some of the required coursework needed for the medical field. During this time, I would seek to strengthen my resume for medical school by finding service opportunities, working in health-care related settings, or finding new experiences. I also plan on doing some service projects within my church; I’ve been involved with church activities since I was young, and it gives me the opportunity to give back to surrounding communities. Outside of those two major plans, some side plans may include working at my existing job, continuing to exercise, etc.

What activities were you involved with as a student?

As a student, I was a part of the Varsity Track and Field Team for the university. I was primarily a sprinter and ran the 200, 400, and 4x400m relay events. Outside of D1 athletics, I participated in pick-up/free for all type soccer events at the rec. I was also an ambassador for the CAHNR department for my Junior and Senior year. Additionally, I took part in the University of Connecticut Health Leaders Program (UCHL), serving as a contact tracer with the onset of COVID and later moving on to screen for social determinants of health in the Hartford community.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?

For incoming first-year students, I would say to limit procrastination as much as possible. Making the transition from high school to college can leave you with the feeling of wanting to soak in the opportunities and enjoy the fun in the moment. While that is important, it is also important to stay on top of your responsibilities and avoid falling behind. Additionally, I would say to be proactive, ambitious, and seek opportunities to be a risk-taker. All of these coincide and share similar attributes; by having this mindset you don’t place any limits on yourself by taking the time and opportunity to chase your goals and passions. If you hold yourself back or limit your potential, that will be detrimental to you because it can lead to feelings of regret. To avoid this, seize your opportunities, set ambitious goals that push yourself, and always be proactive with everything you do.

What are you most proud of about your time at UConn?

Making the Dean’s List and achieving New England Scholar award my sophomore year would be one of the things I’m most proud of. With the onset of COVID and after a rough freshman year, I was taking many weed-out courses that were very rigorous and had many mental and physical challenges to overcome to succeed. I also was in good-competitive shape concerning track so working in the classroom and outside the classroom was beneficial for me. By doing so, I was able to have straight A’s both semesters for that year. I am also proud of the connections I’ve made here at UConn. From on the track and other extracurricular activities, to the classroom and other professional settings, I am proud that I found the time to put myself out there in unfamiliar situations and foster connections that have impacted my life. It brings another meaning to once a husky, always a husky.