Erik Criollo is a graduate student in social work at UConn and will put his degree to good use working right in Hartford at The Village, which builds a community of strong, healthy families through a number of services. Criollo was very involved in a number of activities as a Husky and had a keen interest in the Latine culture at UConn. He found the faculty to be interested and caring for him as both a student and in his personal life. He recommends Late Night at the Student Union, basketball games, and the Dairy Bar as must-dos for UConn students.

Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn because it was in Connecticut. I knew that if I got homesick, I could always go back home for the weekend.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
My field of study is social work specifically the individual, groups, and families concentration. I was drawn to it because as a social worker, you can work in many different fields and environments, like in a hospital, school, court, etc. I wanted to work with Latine individuals, and their families as mental health is such a taboo topic in the Latine culture. As such I wanted to help bridge the gap between mental health services and the Latine community.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?
My favorite professor is Lesly Sanchez-Villar. She is teaching the Adelante classes, which is a program in the School of Social work that is helping teach future Spanish social workers Spanish social work and the professional jargon and clinical terms needed in the social work field. She has done an amazing job in teaching this class as without her, my cohort wouldn’t be the same. She makes the course interactive, and you don’t feel like you are being lectured at. Instead, it’s a more involved learning process with activities, role-plays and a conversation between the school material, our lives and our practicums.

What activities were you involved in as a student?
In my undergraduate at UConn, I was involved in the Puerto Rican Latin American Cultural Center, the Daily Campus, was an orientation leader, was a tour guide for the University as well as worked for Dining Services. I am a currently part of CT Adelante, am a graduate assistant for La Comunidad Inteltiucal Learning community, and work for the office of student and academic services. All of these organizations allowed me to get a better understanding of how to work with different populations when I become a social worker.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
One thing that surprised me about UConn is how understanding my professors have been when it came to coursework and my personal life. I always had this notion that it wasn’t okay to ask for extensions that even if you are facing challenges in your personal life. However, the professors at the School of Social Work were not only willing to give me an extension but also understanding of my personal life and making sure I was doing okay.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
My plans after graduation is to work for The Village in Hartford, specifically the Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services department. I had my practicum here and because this aligns with my goals to help the Latine community, I knew it was a great opportunity to work here afterwards.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has prepared me for the next chapter in life by providing me with the opportunity to learn how to be a great social worker, network with other agencies and organizations in the area as well as supporting me in being more fluent in Social Work Spanish.

Any advice for incoming students?
Make the most out of your experience at UConn. Go to basketball games, go join clubs and organizations, or go to Horsebarn Hill, go to Late Night at the Student Union! Time will fly by, and you should enjoy everything that UConn has to offer before you graduate.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Everyone should try out the ice cream at the UConn Diary Bar!

What will always make you think of UConn?
Something that will make me think of UConn is seeing a Husky. I am proud to be a Husky and will always bleed blue forever!