Skye Gasataya wanted to find a career pathway that would allow her to make a meaningful impact – and she found that in social work.

She says her academic program helped give her the tools she’ll need as she takes her next steps in the field, but it’s the people she met along the way – her fellow students, professors, and the School of Social Work staff – who will always make her think of UConn.

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

I will be completing my Master of Social Work this spring. I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career that offered concrete, diverse pathways to make a meaningful impact with individuals and communities. Social work stood out to me as a field that aligns with my personal values and one that integrates holistic perspectives into understanding the world.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

All of the social work professors have a special way of curating a collaborative space to learn and allowing for insight amongst students/professors to be shared. But I would have to make a shout out to a couple of professors and their classes: Bisrat Abebe (Macro and Micro Theories), Sukhmani Singh (Research Methods), Gio Iacono (Human Oppression class), and Jane Lee (Research Evaluation). These professors especially demonstrated a profound devotion to their work, and I felt that it shined through their interactions with students.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

Throughout my two-year program I have been given the absolute privilege to work with the SSW’s Office of Research and Scholarship and the Office of Student Services. I also had the wonderful opportunity to be a summer research assistant for a study around the effects of long COVID, which is spearheaded by SSW professor Kelsi Carolan. Additionally, I am also grateful to take part in a master’s level independent research study focused on system-impacted youth, which is led by SSW professor Sukhmani Singh.

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

UConn offers so many opportunities to challenge yourself as a student or as an individual – from different types of courses/concentrations to a wide range of practicum opportunities and student workshops. Through the SSW program, I was equipped with expertise and tools to utilize across settings.

Any advice for incoming students?

If any part of you is curious about an event or opportunity, pursue it. You deserve the chance to see yourself evolve through a new experience – you never know what wonderful connection you’ll make or new skill you’ll gain.

What will always make you think of UConn?

The people – my fellow students, the professors, and staff – will always anchor me to UConn.