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, English Education
Hometown: Beacon Falls, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

Deep down, I always knew I would end up at UConn. For a short time, I convinced myself I wanted to attend school in Philadelphia, which was a very different experience than Storrs, Connecticut. As decision day approached, many of my high school teachers said graduating from the Neag School would set me above many other candidates and that districts look highly upon UConn grads. After hearing that, I knew that if I got into UConn, I would have to apply to the Neag School. So Neag was a big part of it, but the school spirit was a tie for first place. Coming from a small high school with a high spirit, I knew I wanted to double the experience by attending a big school with even more. I got exactly what I was looking for here at UConn.

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

I am graduating with a Bachelor of Science in secondary English education and minors in English and sociology. I call myself the cliche education major because I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, but my reasonings grew past playing school as a kid as time went on. I decided on the secondary level, specifically high school, because of the amazing connections and relationships I had with my teachers that I wanted to recreate with my students. My teachers became my second family and my shoulders to lean on. I am also taking on the amazing role of being a teacher for my younger self, who rarely saw teachers of color in her K-12 experience. I think about how different my school experience and self-confidence would have been if I had someone who looked like me in the role I always dreamed of filling.

Do you have a favorite professor or class?

I must shout out my advisors, who have also been some of my professors. Thank you to Dr. Danielle Filipiak, who has found ways to make class fun, engaging, and powerful but has also been my shoulder to lean on when I need to rant, cry, and let it all out. The many meetings in your office or after class have kept me going. To Dominique Battle-Lawson, Sydnee Jones, and Carlton Jones (who is now at UConn Hartford), thank you for putting up with my countless texts, random stops by your office that turned into hours of sitting in your room, and for giving me countless opportunities through Leadership in Diversity and everything you have brought to our group.

UConn has prepared me to be a confident and extroverted version of myself who will take on London, the classroom, and whatever else comes in this next chapter. — Camille Terrell

What activities were you involved in as a student?

School involvement has always been very important to me, and I made sure to take advantage of all the experiences that UConn has to offer. I have spent 3.5 years working as a school representative through the Lodewick Visitors Center, giving tours to incoming and prospective students. I currently serve as the president of Leadership in Diversity, a club on campus that works to create a safe space for students of color entering the education field, where we are significantly underrepresented. I started this club as a virtual member in 2020 and joined the executive board the following year. Some other clubs and organizations I have been involved in include UConn’s chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and UConn’s Future Educators.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I say this on all my tours, but you can easily make a big school feel small, which surprised me. Thousands of students walk around campus daily, yet I still have found my favorite spaces, clubs and organizations, and people who have turned from friends to family. I love the feel of the big school for Game Days, but I love how small and close-knit it can feel on a random day of the week.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

Following my undergraduate degree, I will return to UConn for my master’s in curriculum and instruction through the Neag School of Education! Even more exciting is the news that I will complete the first half of my graduate program in London for the fall semester of 2024 alongside some fantastic classmates! Following the semester abroad, I will return to Storrs’ main campus in the spring.

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

High school me would be shocked to see how outgoing I have become throughout my four years here, and I can quickly thank my experiences here for it. I have become a louder, happier, and more confident version of myself that the younger me always wanted but feared. So, besides the coursework and teacher preparation, UConn has prepared me to be a confident and extroverted version of myself who will take on London, the classroom, and whatever else comes in this next chapter.

Any advice for incoming students?

I say this all the time about anything in life: everything happens for a reason. Try something new, get involved, trust yourself, take risks and chances, and know that everything will work out how it is supposed to. I say this on my tours all the time and will continue to; I found a home away from home here at UConn, and I hope you do as well. These four years are what you make them.

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

Even if you aren’t a basketball fan, every UConn student must attend at least one game on campus. The energy and school spirit are the best feelings and can’t be matched anywhere else. The student section is the best one to be in, especially when surrounded by your friends and everyone is excited. Basketball season is the best time to be a Husky.

What will always make you think of UConn?

Whenever asked about some of my strongest relationships, I quickly reflect on my time at UConn. I made friends who have turned into family, connections and networking that will support me throughout all chapters of life, and memories I can always think back to.