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

Major: MA, Curriculum and Instruction
Hometown: Stamford, Connecticut

Q: Why did you choose UConn?

A: UConn offered me a safe space to explore different opportunities and see which one I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. When you are fresh out of high school and start your undergrad, all of the options seem overwhelming. UConn has a variety of courses and activities you could indulge in to find what is the right fit for you without making you feel the extra pressure of having to figure it all out. UConn has a wonderful community of both faculty and students, and it is a great resource to reach out to as you navigate the new paths in college.

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

A: As a graduate student, I was drawn to the Neag School of Education, specifically the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates (TCPCG). I always knew I wanted to be a teacher from a young age, but I completed my undergraduate degree in history to see other options. As I’ve explored different opportunities, my heart kept going back to education and choosing teaching as a career. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing something I loved, and working with children brings out the best in me. The TCPCG program allowed me to explore that passion further and learn more about how I can help mold young minds and be the teacher I have always wanted to see in my K-12 journey.

Q: Did you have a favorite professor or class?

A: My favorite professors of all time have to be in the TCPCG program. Dr. Katie Nagrotsky specifically has been a wonderful support throughout this journey. I have had two classes with her. When you see her teach a group of aspiring educators, you can feel the passion she has for education, which is inspiring to see as someone who wants to pursue the field. She gives great advice to future teachers and has taught us so much during the program. Outside of class, she is a great resource to reach out to for anything going on, and she shows that she is here to help us succeed.

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

A: As a student, I wasn’t as involved with UConn activities as I would have liked to be. But, even if you aren’t involved, some good advice would be to try and attend different activities. It can help you figure out where you shine — whether it is in leadership positions or coming up with great fundraising activities and trying to make a difference in the world.

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

A: UConn surprised me with its level of support and guidance as a student, allowing me to explore different avenues and figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life. I thought Storrs was in the middle of nowhere and I wouldn’t have a good time — strictly focusing on school and leaving with a degree. However, the people here really make UConn a wonderful place to be. School spirit here is unlike anywhere else, and the community gets together in the most beautiful way to support each other.

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

A: I plan to teach social studies in a Connecticut middle or high school. Originally, I had never thought middle school would be a setting for me. I remember always saying I could teach elementary school, and I could do high school, but in no world would I do middle school. However, things have changed, and middle schoolers are actually pretty great to work with. I want to spend some years in the classroom before pursuing higher education through a Ph.D. program.

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

A: UConn has been my rock in terms of supporting me for the next chapter of my life. I completed my undergraduate degree at UConn and, more recently, attended graduate school. The support I have received from my program is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. UConn has given me beautiful friendships that have evolved over the years, as well as great people who have had an impact on the type of person I am today. Five years later, the senior me who graduated high school would be proud of all that I have accomplished at UConn.

UConn has been my rock in terms of supporting me for the next chapter of my life. — Jainat Akther

Q: Any advice for incoming students?

A: The years will go by in the blink of an eye. It is important to find a balance between focusing on school and doing things you love, so you can look back and think of UConn as the best four years of your life. Make lots of friends. Go out and explore different things. Even if you think you won’t have the time of your life, indulge in those opportunities that present themselves to you. You might end up finding great people for life!

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

A: Attend a basketball game! Even if it is just one. This is where the true school spirit shines through, and it is a euphoric feeling when you are watching a game, in a stadium filled with students who are all anticipating another UConn win.

Q: What will always make you think of UConn?

A: NCAA 2025 Women’s Basketball Championship. UConn has the best basketball team in the U.S., no doubt. But this season was great to watch and see them win the championship after all the work they have put into the games. It is something I couldn’t stop bragging about to my students!