Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2024 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, English Education
Hometown: East Hartford, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn? 

I chose UConn because of the Neag School! I have always wanted to be a teacher, and as a senior in high school, I was aware of how prestigious the teacher education program was. I wanted to choose a university that would support me in my career journey while preparing me to be an educator.

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

My major is English education! I grew up taking many library trips and fell in love with reading and writing. As a young girl, I wanted to be just like my teachers, and it became a dream of mine. Promoting student learning and success has been my priority since.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

My favorite professors and previous advisors are Dominique Battle-Lawson and Carlton Jones. They taught Social Justice in Education when I was an eager freshman ready to major in education. Dominique and Carlton have been a strong support system for me during my years at UConn, and I am so thankful for all their patience and time. Honorable mention goes to my African American Literature professor, Dr. Briona Jones!

Being a UConn student has taught me to be adaptable and appreciate the learning process. … I have grown immensely from the girl UConn accepted to the confident woman now graduating. — Mikaya Robinson

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I was a member of the Public Health House learning community, where I learned about my overlapping role with careers such as nursing and nutrition and how we interact with public health. I also had the pleasure of being involved in the First Year Experience program at UConn, where I worked as a mentor to first-year students and, more recently, a teaching assistant to mentors. Many of the activities I was involved in allowed me to work with students differently.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I did not expect the amount of resources provided for students at UConn, specifically students with different financial and academic backgrounds. There are programs and people on campus who are dedicated to ensuring students succeed, and if you advocate for yourself, you can get the help you need.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

I will complete my master’s degree program at the Neag School for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am also studying abroad in London for the fall semester, which I look forward to. After graduating with my master’s degree, I will work as an English teacher.

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

Being a UConn student has taught me to be adaptable and appreciate the learning process. My start at UConn was different than expected due to the pandemic, but I followed the flow and trusted that it would all end well. It has been an amazing journey with many wonderful opportunities. I have grown immensely from the girl UConn accepted to the confident woman now graduating.

Any advice for incoming students?

I would tell incoming students to take it all in. Give yourself patience but be willing to fail. Try new things that the campus has to offer because you are paying for it all! It sounds corny but be yourself because you will change over the next few years. Lastly, always get the free T-shirt.

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

Everyone should go to the cultural events and shows. UConn has many beautiful cultural groups that are welcoming and run by passionate and talented students. As a Black student, it was a special experience to find myself surrounded by students who share the same culture as me and to learn about cultures I had never been exposed to.

What will always make you think of UConn?

The school culture at UConn is something that you never forget. Husky pride is real! My mother went to UConn and still talks highly of her time there. I feel strongly that I will always feel proud to be part of the UConn community.