From membership in UConn’s Undergraduate Student Government to the Leadership in Diversity organization, graduating senior Carter Newman has made a point of balancing academics with having a social life. That’s one of the most important things for college students, he says.

His desire for involvement – whether organizing panel discussions, planning community-building events, or coordinating various student programs – not only has exercised his leadership skills but also has positively impacted his peers and faculty.

Newman, an elementary education major in the Neag School of Education who hopes to teach fourth grade one day, says he’s found worth in working as an educator.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am an elementary education major with a concentration in English. As an individual who has always had a fascination with the educational system, I wanted to be someone who creates change and works in a system that is catered toward serving the needs of every student. I also believe in the power and freedom that comes with an education. The intellectual freedom of thought is something that nobody can take away from you.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?
My favorite professor is Dr. Emily Rose Schwab. As the instructor of one of my first-ever Neag courses, Multicultural Education, Dr. Schwab created a class that proved to me I made the right decision in what I wanted to study. Her passion for the field of education and the support she gave to each student are a few of the many characteristics that left a lasting impression on me as a student. I am grateful to have experienced a class with Dr. Schwab and know that she will continue to impact her future students to come.

What activities were you involved in as a student?
As a student, I made sure to have extracurricular activities that created a nice balance between my academic and social lives. One of the first clubs I joined was the Undergraduate Student Government. Even though I had little experience, it seemed exciting to try something new, and I ended up finding some of my lifelong friends in that organization. I was also a part of the Big Brother Big Sister program at UConn, which awarded me with the opportunity to work with youth in surrounding districts and showed me why I wanted to be an educator. I was also a tour guide on campus and got to share all the amazing features of this University that supported me with prospective students who want to find a university they call home.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduation, I will return to UConn for my master’s program, which will entail spending a couple months abroad in London! I am so excited for this next journey in life and look forward to making even more amazing memories with the people I’ve grown close to. Once I complete my master’s program, I hope to be in an elementary classroom (fourth grade is my favorite) and inspire students to love their educational experiences the way I have always wanted to growing up.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has prepared me for my next chapter in life in both the academic and social spheres. I have learned many important lessons from classes and also from the relationships I have created here. I am excited to enter an educational space for the duration of my career and feel ready for the challenges and opportunities that come along the way. I will also stay connected with those who have been nothing but supportive of me during my time here at UConn.

Any advice for incoming students?
My advice for any incoming student is to find your spaces. This is not emphasized enough for first-year students who may feel the pressure of being in good standing academically and also finding friends that you can count on. Your space matters. Be a part of clubs and ideas that intrigue you. Your college experience is shaped by you and should be tailored to you. Use every experience as a learning opportunity and continue to grow into the person you want to be. But also, never be afraid to reach out for help in any avenue in your college experience. I learned this lesson later on in my college career but cannot be any happier than where I currently am.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Go to a basketball game!