About to earn “double Husky” status, Angela Rossi came to UConn as an undergrad and stayed for graduate school not just because of the unique policy practice MSW program offered at the School of Social Work – she knew that UConn experience offered even more than that. She wants to be an advocate for people who have typically been left out of decision-making processes, and she hopes to one day run for office herself.
Why did you choose UConn?
UConn was the only school I applied to for my master’s because it was the only school that had a policy specific concentration in social work. Based on my experience at UConn for my undergrad, I knew that I would be getting a high-quality education with connections that would help me figure out my exact path.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am getting my Master of Social Work with a concentration in policy practice. I chose social work because it gives me the people side of policy issues. As a social worker, I can work with individuals and learn about the problems they are having and identify ways that policy changes can help. From my experience, policies are made without the consideration of the individual-level impact, but the fiscal impact to the government. Being a social worker helps me advocate that a dollar amount is insignificant if people are being harmed by a policy or lack of a policy.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
My favorite class was a required class for the MSW program – BASC 5300: Human Oppression with Dr. Gio Iacono. This class looks at how economic, political, social, and cultural forces operate at global, national, and local levels, and generate and maintain oppression based on race and ethnicity in the United States. This class really opened my eyes to how intertwined different areas of systemic oppression really are, and that to fix things on a macro level, we need to know how it impacts the micro level.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
Throughout my time at UConn, I was a member of the piccolo section of the UConn Marching Band and a member of the Pep Band. I got to travel to Myrtle Beach for the bowl game in 2022, and it was one of the best experiences, getting to travel with 300 of my closest friends.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that surprised me about UConn was the diversity of research, just within the School of Social Work. You have professors working on child welfare research, substance use disorders, education, and social workers as elected officials.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduation I am moving to Cape Cod to work with Barnstable County government as the Substance Use Prevention Program Manager where I will lead initiatives around substance use prevention, recovery, treatment, and harm reduction. I also hope to run for office one day!
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn prepared me to expect the unexpected. Even if you don’t get what you want, there is something waiting for you right around the corner that is even better than what you wanted.
Any advice for incoming students?
If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. You don’t see a field placement you like on the list? Ask if there are any in the field you want to be in. Think you want to get involved in research? Ask your professor what they are doing research on. The possibilities are endless, you just need to ask!
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Go to the Dairy Bar. Go to a basketball game (at Gampel). Get a bacon, egg, and cheese with dill scallion mayo from Lizzie’s on the Storrs Campus. But most importantly, enjoy being able to call yourself a UConn student – it goes by fast.
