Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2024 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, Sport Management
Hometown: Waterbury, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

I chose UConn because it was close to home but not too close. I had the chance to visit UConn during my junior year. I fell in love with the campus environment and the clubs that UConn offered so students could stay involved.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

I am majoring in sport management with a minor in communication. I was drawn to sport management for two reasons. The first reason is that I wanted to be a part of the women in sport making a change. We are now witnessing many women joining the sports industry. The second reason was because I grew up watching and playing sports. I would play basketball, baseball, and football at my neighborhood park.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

This is a tricky question, as I enjoyed all my sport management classes. Every one of the professors was very knowledgeable and caring of their students. If I had to pick my favorite professor, it would have to be Dr. Danielle DeRosa. Not only was she my professor, but my advisor as well. She would always contact me about different opportunities to be on the lookout for. Dr. DeRosa truly cares for her students and always has the students’ interests first.

Now, my favorite class would have to be EDLR 3547W by Dr. Justin Evanovich and, in my course, the TA was Dr. Roc Rochon. This was a Sport Based Youth Development service-learning writing course. The service learning was my favorite part of the class because we could engage with Hartford students. Ever since I took the class, I have been involved with UConn Husky Nutrition & Sport as an intern. Dr. Evanovich has granted me the opportunity to stay connected with the program. This program and course have opened my eyes to a different perspective of the sport industry.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I wasn’t as involved in clubs as I would have liked. I used to be in the sneaker club and tap club. However, I worked at the UConn Rec as a site manager for the sports club. This allowed me to stay involved with the club sports on campus as I got to manage the practices and games. I participated in HuskyTHON during my first year, but unfortunately, it was during COVID-19. Now, I am involved with Husky Nutrition & Sport, helping host field trips for Hartford elementary students to visit our campus.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

One thing that surprised me about UConn would be how big the campus is. The campus is big, but UConn knows how to hold multiple events to keep the students involved. This allows the students to connect with the same interests. I have met good friends at events like First Night, where men’s and women’s basketball players are introduced to the school.

UConn has prepared me for my next chapter in life by providing me with different opportunities. — Jennette Lopez

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

My plan after graduation, the next day, is to celebrate my birthday. Since this year was a leap year, I did not get to celebrate my birthday and graduation together on the same day. For my future plans, I will be furthering my education by getting a master’s degree in social work. I hope to continue this education here at UConn.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

UConn has prepared me for my next chapter in life by providing me with different opportunities. I may stay at UConn and further my education or I may start my career in the sports industry because I have been prepared to take on the hiring process. In sport management classes, we are prepared for our next chapter in life as we have two courses to obtain an internship for the semester. We also create our resumes and LinkedIn accounts to connect with organizations that we are interested in.

Any advice for incoming students?

My first advice for incoming students would be not to be afraid of change. Accept the change because you will not know what the outcomes hold. The outcome could be a very good outcome or a bad one where you learn from the mistake. Next, we all must accept being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I wish that in my first semester, I was more willing to put myself out there because I didn’t start making friends until my junior year. Always introduce yourself to the person you are sitting next to in class because you never know if a friendship will begin from it. Lastly, take advantage of all the events that UConn offers because this will allow you to live in the moment.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

One thing that I would recommend everyone do during their time at UConn is go to a basketball game. We are known as the Basketball Capital of the World, and there is no other atmosphere like Gampel Pavilion.

What will always make you think of UConn?

I will always be reminded of UConn by a husky. Anytime I see a husky, I think about UConn and our mascot, Jonathan. As the saying goes, “Student Today, Huskies Forever.”