Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2023 graduating students over the coming days.
Major: MA in Special Education
Hometown: Old Bethpage, New York
Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn because it provided so many opportunities for me to choose from. I came to UConn not knowing what I wanted to be or what my future looked like. When speaking with Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES) advisors, I realized that I could create that future on my own.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am a comprehensive special education major receiving my master’s in educational psychology this year. I chose to go into the field of education because I knew that I never wanted to sit behind a desk, but make an impact in a different way. Working in outplacement schools for students with disabilities during my time as an undergraduate helped me develop a passion for making an impact on my students’ lives.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating, I plan on working in one of the many amazing school districts here in Connecticut as a special education teacher.
What activities were you involved with as a student?
While a student I was heavily involved in the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, specifically surrounding our many philanthropic efforts. I was able to help kickstart our initiative for the organization Safe Schools for Alex, a nonprofit organization that provides the most current school safety best practices and resources to students, parents, school districts and law enforcement so that all children can learn in a safe environment. The fraternity also allowed me to become involved in HuskyTHON as well, UConn’s 18-hour dance marathon which raises money for Connecticut Children’s each year.
“The network that I have created here at UConn will forever stay with me throughout my life.” — Daniel Petrsoric
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
The network that I have created here at UConn will forever stay with me throughout my life. I have grown not only as a person, but as a professional and I will continue to stay up to date on many of the research that faculty are working on and use those projects in my own school.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
For me, UConn is a big school, with a small school feeling. I walk around campus and there are so many familiar faces and the amount of people you recognize or know grows each year.
Any advice for incoming first-year students?
Don’t be afraid to try new things or get involved in something that interests you that you have never done before, college is exactly the time for you to do that.
What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?
During your time here, every student should get to know at least one faculty member well. You never know how they may be able to help you in the near or far future.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I have had so many amazing professors here at UConn, but Dr. Tracy Sinclair and Dr. Susannah Everett are my two favorite professors. During my clinic experiences, certification exams, and large projects, they both acted as an amazing resource and support system to get me through the challenging parts of the IB/M program.
What’s one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
Continuing to see and visit the people who I have met throughout my time here at UConn, that is something that makes this place so special.
