Alyssa Brown started her time at UConn on the pre-law track with a major in Political Science. However, after a transformative study abroad experience, she changed course and added Communications and History as additional majors. She says the three majors help her do the interdisciplinary research she loves – studying intimidating and overlooked areas of history. Alyssa intends to continue with a Ph.D. in History and credits the support she has received during her time at UConn for nurturing her passion for the subject and the confidence to pursue it.
Why did you choose UConn?
As silly as it is, I chose UConn because of Breanna Stewart. While my basketball career ended abruptly in fourth grade (when I realized I was terrible), I grew up an hour away from Breanna Stewart’s hometown. When Stewie was breaking records in high school, I was enamored by the attention a female athlete was getting. Women’s sports had always been important to me, but it wasn’t until I was able to see how UConn respected their women’s sports programs that I truly understood it. When I was making my college decisions, I was looking for a “sports school,” but I was also looking for a place that respected women’s sports as much as they did men’s. Little did I know, UConn had so much more to offer me than just an amazing women’s basketball program.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I’m a double major in Political Science and Communications with an additional degree in History. Coming into UConn as a first-generation student, I knew that I had to take advantage of the education I was fortunate enough to receive. I had always loved history and government, so I assumed that if I majored in Political Science and was on the pre-law track, I would be able to get into law school and be successful in a stable field. My world was flipped upside down by a course I took by chance my freshman spring and the internship I obtained while studying abroad. I was able to work in an archival space within a coalition of incredible women who used historical materials to do social justice work and educate museumgoers on parts of history that are often ignored. It was in my time abroad that I realized that I could make positive change while doing what I loved. The second I got back to UConn, I declared a History major. My three majors have allowed me to study what I love through an interdisciplinary lens, and the combination of social sciences and humanities have allowed me to conduct research in unique ways.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
As my journey at UConn comes to an end, I find it impossible to single out a favorite professor or class as my educational growth has been uniquely affected by so many incredible instructors and their courses.
My professors within the History department have been the most influential on my academic journey by far. Professor Frank Costigliola taught me my first ever college history course and inspired me to think about the past through a different lens. Professor Alexis Dudden teaches in such a unique way, and her passion for teaching students about the past through the perspective of those who lived it not only inspired me, but led me to an incredible history fellowship that allowed me to travel to Korea and Japan to conduct research on Japanese Militarized Sexual slavery. Professor Manisha Sinha has believed in me from the second she met me. Her constant support and willingness to indulge my research rabbit holes is what truly solidified my desire to continue within academia.
Wonderful academic advisors like Katie D’Antonio, Joel Nebres, and Heather Parker have shaped my entire academic journey and ensured my success every step of the way. While not the reason I initially came to UConn, the faculty and staff are the reason I chose to stay. While we are the basketball capital of the world, the professors and faculty make it clear that we’re also a groundbreaking academic institution with incredible offerings for students of all disciplines.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I’ve been involved in many activities at UConn, but the one that’s had the biggest impact on me is my involvement in my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. I’ve had the privilege of serving as the vice president of intellectual development, the vice president of chapter relations and standards, and the chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega while at UConn. Through Alpha Chi Omega, I’ve been able to fundraise for One Love, a domestic violence awareness foundation which I am now an education facilitator for, and the Willimantic women’s shelter. Advocating for domestic violence and sexual assault education and awareness has become incredibly important to me throughout my time at UConn, and something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that surprised me about UConn is how quickly such a large campus can become a second home. I was initially nervous about the sheer size of UConn, but it’s come to be one of the things I love the most. No matter where I am on campus, there’s always a friendly face, study spot, or someone willing to help. The entire campus community is so kind and truly cares about one another, and it’s incredible to be a part of.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduation, I plan to pursue my master’s in museum studies at Syracuse University, and then eventually a Ph.D. in history. My passion for research, and my confidence to conduct it, has absolutely come from my time here at UConn. Historical research and curation are never something I saw myself doing, but thanks to the incredible work I’ve been able to participate in in both the History and Communications departments, I’m confident that it’s my future. I intend to focus on the “hard histories” of the United States, with a special interest in U.S. imperialism. While it’s an intimidating topic, the amazing faculty at UConn has taught me that hard questions are meant to be asked, and research like this cannot be ignored.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has truly been the place where I’ve grown into my own skin. At UConn, my leadership experiences, courses, and research have taught me more about myself than I ever could’ve imagined. I’ve learned how to handle challenges I never thought I’d face with a support system of instructors, faculty, and friends that I will forever be grateful for. The diverse community at UConn has pushed me to see the world from different perspectives, helping me to develop both personally and professionally. It has been a transformative experience that has shaped who I am today, and I know it will continue to influence my path moving forward.
Any advice for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is remember where you are. College is about learning, personal growth, trial and error, and the courage to keep going. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone – it’s okay to quit something that’s not right for you, to explore something new, or even to take a class just because it seems interesting. Some of my most memorable experiences came from doing things I never imagined I would, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities UConn has given me.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
I think that everyone at UConn should take a course outside of their primary discipline. UConn’s curriculum allows students to explore classes outside of their major and minor fields of study, and a lot of students are afraid to take advantage of that. Without taking a class “just for fun” my freshman spring, I never would’ve seen a future in history, added a history major, and discovered a future career I’m deeply passionate about.
What will always make you think of UConn?
As cliché as it might sound, basketball is the reason I chose to apply to UConn, and it’s been a big part of what has kept me grounded throughout my college experience. From the moment I stepped on campus as a freshman, UConn basketball has been a welcome escape, giving me a break from the academic pressures and setbacks that come with college life. Over time, any and all basketball has become my go-to stress reliever, always reminding me to appreciate the things I enjoy, even when other parts of my life get tough.
