Some of Alexa D’Urso’s most meaningful UConn moments came during times when she challenged herself to step outside her own comfort zone – something she hopes incoming UConn students will try for themselves. The psychology major will next be pursuing a Master of Social Work as she continues toward her professional goal of working with young children in hospital, school, and clinical settings.
Why did you choose UConn?
As someone who was born and raised in Connecticut, I definitely went through the phase of maybe wanting to leave the state for college. The idea of going somewhere completely new (maybe even warmer) was really appealing when I was deciding where to apply. For a while, that excitement almost kept me from even considering UConn. However, the first day I arrived on campus for a tour, my perspective completely changed. I remember feeling in awe of how much the school felt like its own little city, full of spirit, community, and opportunity, right in the middle of what people might consider a “farm town.” After several more visits, tours, and accepted-student days, I began to realize how much UConn was the place I wanted to spend the next four years. Everyone was so welcoming, there were endless opportunities for extracurricular involvement, and most of all, it didn’t feel like continuing another familiar Connecticut experience. UConn began to feel like a place where I could grow, try new things, and find a second home.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I started at UConn with a major in psychological sciences and eventually declared a minor in human development and family sciences, along with a specialization in early childhood development. I always knew I wanted a career that would allow me to support young children during their formative developmental years, but I honestly wasn’t sure what field that would look like. After taking an AP Psychology course in high school, I realized psychology could give me a deeper understanding of how people think, grow, and develop, especially during childhood. It felt like the perfect foundation for any career working with children and families. UConn’s psychology department offered so many opportunities for involvement, fieldwork, and research, which ultimately led me to pursue the major. Getting involved with the human development and family sciences department, especially through the Early Childhood Specializations (ECS), allowed me to tailor my education toward the exact population I hope to work with in the future.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
Although I had many professors and classes that made a lasting impact on me, one of my favorites was PSYC 3470: Current Topics in Developmental Psychology, which I took with Umay Suanda during my junior year. Throughout the course, we analyzed modern research studies and discussed common themes, areas for improvement, and the ways that research is not always representative of all cultures, highlighting the ongoing need for more inclusive research. Dr. Suanda not only made these studies easier to understand but also motivated us to dive deeper into them by sharing our analyses, comparing findings, and teaching concepts to our classmates. Even though I am not planning to pursue a career in research, this class helped me become more confident in reading and understanding modern psychological research. It allowed me to explore a topic that once felt intimidating and approach it with much more curiosity and confidence.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
One of the most impactful experiences was my involvement with First Year Experience. I first joined the Psychological Sciences Learning Community as a freshman, where I connected with wonderful advisors and met some of my best friends in the major while exploring different academic and career paths within psychology. In my sophomore year, I returned as an FYE mentor, supporting first-year students by facilitating discussions, offering advice, and meeting one-on-one to help them navigate their transition to UConn. Later, in my junior year, I served as a teaching assistant, helping to guide and support current mentors in their leadership roles. FYE taught me so much about meaningful collaboration and the importance of community, which I will carry with me throughout my life. Outside of FYE, I was involved in the Early Childhood Specializations through the HDFS department, where I worked directly with children at the UConn Child Development Labs. This hands-on experience allowed me to practice developmentally appropriate strategies while supporting young children’s social and emotional growth in an early childhood classroom, giving me real-world experience that a lecture hall alone cannot provide. I am forever grateful for the ECS faculty who have not only been a fundamental part of the experience, but who have helped in solidifying my passion for working with this population. I also tutored student-athletes through the Student-Athlete Success Program, fundraised for HuskyTHON as a team captain and dancer representative, and participated in the Psychology Club and Psi Chi International Honor Society.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
For such a large campus with a huge student population, I was surprised by how quickly UConn began to feel small. Through my classes, extracurricular involvement, and campus events, I found myself constantly running into familiar faces and building connections within the community. By the end of my four years, I have also become much more of a sports fan than I ever expected. Husky spirit is evident throughout campus, and UConn game days quickly became some of my favorite moments from my time here!
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduating this May, I will be continuing my education to pursue a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice at Southern Connecticut State University. I am excited to further develop my clinical skills and deepen my commitment to advocating for pediatric mental health. I hope to explore this field in diverse settings – including pediatric hospitals, school systems, and outpatient clinics, where I can support children with empathy and empowerment during their formative developmental years.
Any advice for incoming students?
It might sound cliché, but don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Your first semester at UConn is the beginning of a completely new chapter, so take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people, try new activities, and even take classes outside of your usual interests. During my first year, a mentor once told me that discomfort isn’t always a bad thing; it’s often how we grow. Some of the most meaningful experiences I had at UConn came from moments when I challenged myself to try something new. Embrace those opportunities, even if they feel a little uncomfortable at first. You might grow in ways you never expected!
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Although I could name a whole bucket list of things every student should do, if I had to choose one it would be sitting in the front row at a UConn sports game. It doesn’t even have to be as intense as tenting outside Gampel for front-row seats at a basketball game. Just commit to going to one game for one sport and fully experience the Husky spirit. Some of my favorite memories were doing exactly this with my roommates at men’s ice hockey and women’s basketball games. Being that close to the action and surrounded by so much school spirit is something every student should experience at least once.
What will always make you think of UConn?
March Madness will always make me think of UConn! Before coming here, March used to feel slow, just a month of waiting for spring. At UConn, it became one of the most exciting times of the year: filling out brackets, crowding around TVs, and constantly checking scores. Watching UConn cut down the nets and hang new banners turned those weeks into some of my favorite memories. Now, March Madness will always instantly bring me back to this place I was lucky to call home.
