Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2023 graduating students over the coming days.
Major: BS, English Education
Hometown: Monroe, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn?
I attended a different university to begin my college education. I chose my former school because of its School of Education’s strong reputation. When I started to feel the college wasn’t a strong fit for me, I knew I would seek for my next school to also have a highly reputable School of Education. I wanted to be close to home but at the same time be a reasonable distance from it, and I needed to feel at home wherever this ended up being. I made the decision to transfer to UConn not only after the amazing reviews I’d heard about Neag, but after first stepping foot on a campus that truly felt like home.
What’s your major/field of study, and what drew you to it?
My mom has been a high school English teacher for 25 years now, so some of my earliest memories are rooted in the desire to be like her. When I got to the point where I was old enough to actually choose my path, I knew what to do. I’ve always known that I would choose to pursue a career in English and secondary education. My inclination to the English subject combined with my persistent goal to help those around me solidified my choices. As a Neag School Class of 2023 graduate, I can confidently say that I made the right decision.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
Just about each course I’ve taken during my time in Neag has prepared me immensely for my future. I’ve had a few favorite classes in particular, though. Professor Courtmanche’s “Advanced Composition for Prospective Teachers” course taught me to use my voice in writing, something I’d never really learned to do before. I gained a new perspective on what writing is and learned how to appreciate the feeling that follows creating a piece of writing entirely propelled by your own interests and voice. Professor Filipiak’s “Introduction to Secondary Methods & Clinic” course was also a favorite of mine. The activities we did in her class, I think, are largely responsible for the current tightknit dynamic of our cohort. She presented (and still does present) herself as a constant support not only for myself, but for our entire cohort. There are a number of other classes that have impacted me and prepared me for my future endeavors, but these courses and professors will always remind me why I chose this profession.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that surprised me about UConn was how small this big school really feels. The connections I’ve made with this cohort prove that it is incredibly easy to make such a huge environment feel small and nurturing. I was originally accepted to UConn when I first applied, but I decided to attend a mid-size school instead for fear of feeling overwhelmed in a campus of over 18,000 undergraduates. When I decided to transfer to UConn, I was quickly surprised at how inviting such a large campus can be.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduation, I will immediately begin my master’s year at UConn and study in London for the entirety of my first semester. Once I complete my experience in London, I will finish my master’s year at UConn with an internship at East Hartford High School. After receiving both degrees, I would like to continue teaching at nonprofit organizations like the one I currently teach for. I believe I will come back to Connecticut and can see myself teaching at schools surrounding the Storrs campus. Before this, though, I’d like to take some time to see other states within the country.
“College is a learning experience for everyone, and learning independence and increasing personal responsibility is generally expected, but I firmly believe that UConn enhanced both my independence and personal responsibility.” — Emma McCarthy
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
As an identical twin with a very close-knit family, I have never really needed to be truly on my own before. College is a learning experience for everyone, and learning independence and increasing personal responsibility is generally expected, but I firmly believe that UConn enhanced both my independence and personal responsibility. I’ve gotten so used to doing things on my own, which was very new to me. I’ve always valued responsibility, so my experience here has been incredible in that it has asked me to take on more responsibilities than ever before, while encouraging consistent productivity, both of which will help me immensely in the future. At UConn, I’ve learned what commitment means; I’ve learned to truly appreciate the work I produce; I’ve learned to advocate for myself; and I’ve learned to value every single moment.
Any advice for incoming students?
My advice for incoming students would absolutely be to value every moment and take advantage of every opportunity. COVID-19 impacted my college years, but it proved how important it is to appreciate the experience, so I would tell any incoming student to take advantage of every moment; time flies by.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
There are quite a few staples of the UConn college experience. Every student at UConn should absolutely walk Horsebarn Hill and see a basketball game, among other things.
What will always make you think of UConn?
Two things will always make me think of UConn: teaching and March Madness. One of my favorite memories at UConn will forever be watching the men’s basketball team win the national title during my senior year. I will always associate the entire tournament with the moment I saw my team win. I also know that once I become a certified teacher, my career will always remind me of UConn and the preparation I received, the opportunities I was offered, and the memories I made.
