Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2025 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, Mathematics Education and minor in Mathematics
Hometown: West Islip, New York

Q: Why did you choose UConn?

A: I toured UConn in November of my junior year, and I absolutely fell in love with the campus. I had that gut feeling when walking around that this would be the place for me. After that tour, UConn was always my top school. Now, standing here as a senior about to graduate in May, I can confidently say that attending UConn has genuinely been one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I feel so lucky to have called UConn my home for the past four years.

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

A: This May, I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in mathematics education and a minor in mathematics. I had always been drawn to teaching since I was a young girl. I love helping people learn and grow, and I also love math classes in school. When applying to schools, I was unsure what exactly I wanted to major in, and I had come to UConn as a communications major. Within that first semester, I realized it wasn’t for me and made the switch to secondary mathematics education. I had always loved teaching and excelled in my math classes, so the switch seemed natural.

Once I got accepted into the Neag School of Education, I knew I was in the right place, and I am forever grateful for that decision. My experiences in education classes and my work with professors, peers, and mentors during my student teaching placements have deepened my love and passion for teaching.

Q: Did you have a favorite professor or class?

A: I feel lucky to say I have worked with some of the most amazing professors at UConn. However, one that stands out is my advisor, Dr. Megan Staples. In my time working with Dr. Staples, she has taught me so much about how to be a strong math educator. She has such a rich understanding of teaching and mathematics. Dr. Staples has been an exceptional educator and a supportive mentor during my time at UConn, and I owe a lot of who I am as an educator to her.

Q: What activities were you involved in as a student?

A: Throughout my time at UConn, I was a part of the Visitor Information Center’s campus tour guide program. Being able to connect with prospective UConn students and their families and share my UConn experience is the best part of the job, and I will miss it dearly after I graduate. In this role, I also led the Neag School of Education’s academic tours, where I would give tours to students interested in the programs offered through the School of Education. Being a tour guide at UConn has been the highlight of my experience here, and I take pride in representing UConn over the past few years.

Q: What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

A: One thing that surprised me about UConn was the incredible school spirit. Before I arrived, I knew it was a significant part of the campus environment, but I didn’t fully grasp just how much pride every student has until I became a UConn Husky myself. The students at UConn embody school spirit. Everywhere you go, you see people wearing UConn sweatshirts or hats. You can start the UConn chant almost anywhere, and there will always be someone ready to respond. Everyone here takes pride in being a Husky; we truly do bleed blue!

Q: What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

A: After graduation, I will complete my master’s in curriculum and instruction at UConn. I am grateful to have received the opportunity to study abroad in London this fall and will be coming back to Connecticut to finish my master’s in the spring!

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

A: UConn has prepared me in a variety of ways post-graduation. Whether in my classes, my job, or daily interactions with peers, my time at UConn has shaped me into the best version of myself. Throughout my four years, I have met some of the most amazing people with whom I have shared amazing memories, and I can confidently say that I have made friends for life.

Additionally, I’ve had some of the greatest opportunities working with professors and mentors. Every professor I have worked with has challenged me to become a stronger student and person, providing me with a learning environment where I can grow and excel. My job on campus has made me a confident public speaker and has boosted my overall self-assurance. After graduating from UConn, I feel incredibly prepared and confident in my abilities, and I owe it to UConn for allowing me to grow into the person I am today.

I feel incredibly prepared and confident in my abilities, and I owe it to UConn for allowing me to grow into the person I am today. — Jaclyn Armetta

Q: Any advice for incoming students?

A: My advice to incoming students is to meet as many people as you can. Whether it is talking to someone new in your lecture, going up to your professor, joining a club, or simply striking up a conversation with someone when walking to class. You can’t always make a small campus feel big, but you can always make a big campus feel small, and I’ve learned that getting to know people is one of the best ways to do that. Put yourself out there and get to know the people around you on campus because you are going to meet some pretty exceptional people; that is a guarantee.

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

A: Something everyone should do during their time at UConn is watch the sunset on Horsebarn Hill! It took me till my sophomore year to finally watch a sunset there, and it’s the most breathtaking view of campus.

Q: What will always make you think of UConn?

A: Something that will always make me think of UConn is the people I’ve met here. Everyone always says that it’s the people that make a place, and this is something I’ve found to hold true during the past four years. My roommates, peers, coworkers, professors, and advisors have all had a significant impact on me and have shaped me into the person I am today. I am so lucky to have had all of these people with me during my time at UConn. From celebrating winning back-to-back championships with my roommates to working closely on presentations with my peers and professors, I have had great people by my side throughout my journey at UConn. I know that even after graduating, I will have made so many great connections and will cherish these relationships forever.