Juanyi Li

Neag School of Education

Why did you choose UConn?
Growing up in the city, I am always looking forward to studying and living in a bucolic place surrounded by trees and animals. UConn Storrs is located in a town near the UConn forest and the pasture which is my dream place to stay. Besides that, UConn is close to two big cities, Boston and New York, which means I am able to reach out to plenty of resources such as working opportunities and global events.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
My major is elementary education math concentration. I dreamed of being an educator since high school. My professional goal is to explore the relationship between math education and creativity, as well as develop a math teaching model where students emerge in both high levels of fundamental math achievement and creativity. I experienced both Chinese and American math teaching styles. Having heard people arguing that Chinese students show their strength in math skills but paucity in creativity compared to American students triggered me to think about why countries implement disparate education systems. Since it is ambiguous to tell which one would be exactly more beneficial to students, attempting to combine these two styles together, I think, would be a lead in the future.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will return to UConn for my master’s year to complete my master’s degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I am also about to attend the study abroad program in Nottingham to experience another different education system in the UK! Following that, I would like to be an elementary school teacher for a couple of years to get a deeper understanding of what students need. After that, I will pursue a doctoral degree and start my research.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
UConn is a place that truly cares and will listen to students. Last winter, when the breaking news of two passed students was catching people’s attention on mental health issues, I desired to make some changes regarding mental health services on campus. Via UConn Collaborative Organizations, I worked with ambitious people on campus, attended the Board of Trustees Meeting and developed mental health education portals. As a result, for now, UConn is launching a pilot expansion program to SHaW Mental Health services. UConn is a place that cares and will listen to students.

What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
Go to a basketball game and show your Husky spirit!

What's something you learned in a class that you'll always remember?
“Good teaching is good teaching. No matter who your students are, where and which subject you are teaching.”

Additional student profiles: Svea Boker, Sarah Coyne, Julia Mancini

Kimberly Liang

School of Engineering

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I’m a mechanical engineering major. I chose it because it helps me make sense of the world around me. For example, as a child, I marveled at how airplanes could fly. At the time, I could not fathom how such colossal, heavy objects made of metal could so gracefully soar through the sky. Because of this curiosity, it must seem like no surprise that I will be working at an aerospace company after graduation! In addition to making sense of what I can already see, a degree in mechanical engineering can help me be at the forefront of innovation. For example, this semester I took a class in Fuel Cells, and my professor had to alter his lecture notes to include the findings of a new journal article that was published in March 2020.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be working on Ventilation and Internal Air Systems for commercial airplanes at Pratt & Whitney. After a year, I hope to start graduate school while working full-time to pursue a Masters in Engineering in Sustainable Energy.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
What surprised me about UConn is how diverse but tight-knit the student body is. Every person has their own culture, upbringing, and story. However, our community leverages our differences to learn more about each other and strengthen and extend our Husky Pride far beyond the Storrs campus. For example, while on a family vacation in Hawaii, I was wearing a UConn t-shirt. A father with his family pointed at my shirt, saying “I’m an alum.” We then both smiled and exclaimed “Go Huskies” before proceeding our separate ways.

What activities were you involved with on campus?
Honors Program/STEM Scholar, Engineering Ambassadors, research at UConn’s Center for Clean Energy Engineering, Symphonic Band (I play the flute & piccolo), Intramural Soccer, peer tutor, and I was briefly a part of the Boxing Club.

What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
Basketball. Cheering on our teams in Gampel is probably one of my most memorable experiences at UConn.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
My first piece of advice for first-year students is to participate in activities that nurture your mind, your body, and your soul. For me, Engineering Ambassadors nurtured my mind, intramural soccer and boxing nurtured my body, and playing flute nurtured my soul. Adjusting to college is hard, and making sure you have a balanced routine is an integral part to staying happy and healthy in this new chapter of your life. Plus, you’re bound to make great friends in these activities!

My second piece of advice is that your mindset will make or break your college experience. UConn has so many different opportunities, but you will only be able to reap the benefits if you have an open mindset and take the initiative. Join a new club, take a stab at a new skill, and ask questions. You’re only in college once! It may seem like a long time, but from a senior’s perspective it flies by. Take advantage of as much as you can while you’re here.

Additional student profile: Bahareh Deljoo

Julise Marsh

School of Pharmacy

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am in the pharmacy program at UConn, graduating with my PharmD this May. I always wanted to go into the health care field so that I could have a direct impact on the lives of patients. Out of all the careers in health that I researched, pharmacy gives an individual the most flexibility to provide a variety of experiences over a professional career.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Eyler is a professor who specializes in nephrology in the School of Pharmacy. As cliché as this statement is, she made learning fun. She was very enthusiastic about her line of work and would hold review sessions that were game-based (matching, card games, trivia), so that the information really stuck with you.

What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was “The Sociology of Health,” and it was not a class for my major; I took it as an elective. It was very eye-opening to learn about the history of this country and how that has had lasting impacts on the health care system, and resulted in disparities that we see today.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to complete a residency at Holyoke Health Center with a focus in ambulatory care pharmacy.

What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
Study abroad if possible. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Beijing, China, with the School of Pharmacy to learn about traditional Chinese medicine. It was an eye-opening and unforgettable experience. Even if studying abroad is not an option, there are alternative break trips that students should look into that will be just as rewarding.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
Be open to all opportunities and experiences. Don’t be afraid to reevaluate and redirect if something is not working for you. College is about experiences, and not just about education.

Additional student profile: Mai Vestergaard

Destiny Medina

School of Social Work

What’s your major/concentration and why did you choose it?
I have a dual degree Bachelor’s in Social Work and Human Development and Family Studies. I felt that these two majors completed each other in understanding all the social factors and dynamics I would have to face in my field.

What was your favorite class and why?
Understanding Social Justice and Diversity through Intergroup Dialogue with Dr. Werkmeister Rozas was one of my favorite classes because it challenged me to think against my own perspectives and understanding. The activities were relevant to the world and ourselves in the classroom and was an open discussion layout that let us all place our inputs.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will still be attending UConn School of Social Work but as an Advanced Standing MSW student. I am excited for this new endeavor and to further continue my education.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn School of Social Work?
Well, I was part of the first and smallest cohort of BSW class with only 8 students in total. I was surprised just how open we could be without fear of judgment. It has been a very welcoming environment in my experience and they have the right professors for the job.

What’s your favorite thing about the School of Social Work?
The School of Social Work provides a variety of opportunities to get involved with advocacy and learning of social issues and factors in a micro, mezzo, and macro setting with guest speakers, presentations, and other on/off-campus activities advertised.

What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
Before I came to UConn I had never worked in the child welfare field, participated in lobby day, or conducted my own video interview, and it was very informative, made me more aware of advocacy and put me in control of my own interests and research.

Additional student profile: Alec Lotstein, Jasmine Mendez, Errol Mesquita

Daniel Morocho

School of Nursing

Why did you choose UConn?
As a first-generation college student, I chose UConn because I believe it to be such a prestigious university with some of the best professors in the world. I knew completing my education at UConn would make me and my family very happy.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I am a nursing major and I chose to pursue nursing for many reasons. I knew that this field of work will put me in the frontlines to fight the social determinates of health (SDOH) that impact our communities. I realized at a young age that these structural inequities in our society are significant contributors to disease morbidity and mortality. I want to combat these issues as a nurse by listening, advocating, and educating my patients and others impacted.

What are your plans after graduation?
I recently accepted a job at UConn John Dempsey Hospital as a new graduate nurse. I plan to enhance my nursing skills there and learn as much as possible with the help of such wonderful staff.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was very surprised with the diversity among the student population. Throughout my time at UConn I made friends from all different backgrounds. I was able to connect and learn from so many of them and will carry these relationships for the rest of my life.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
UConn has prepared me by exposing me to an environment filled with amazing professors, instructors, and students. Through the UConn School of Nursing I was able to learn and practice my nursing skills in some of the best hospitals in the state of Connecticut. I was able to learn the ways of the nurse with the help of nursing leaders and educators.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
The first year on campus can be scary, but you are not alone. Make friends with others and listen to their different perspectives. Your friends will help you through the hardest times, not just academically, but in life. Study super hard, but do not forget to make time for yourself; self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Lastly, I know that a lot of UConn students are very ambitious and competitive and volunteer a lot of their time towards great causes. However, do not forget to make times for your family. They are very proud of you and miss having you around when you are out there doing your thing.

Elizabeth Perry

School of Business

Why did you choose UConn?
I was looking at other schools and UConn was the most financially plausible and had the program I wanted. I knew that I wanted to do business, and the School of Business is highly ranked. My friend gave me a personal tour, showed me the cows, and I was sold!

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
I’m a Management major and Philosophy minor. I chose MGMT because Dr. Lucy Gilson came to talk to my learning community about the major, and all the different opportunities and paths had me sold. I later fell in love with entrepreneurship and startups after working in New York City and experiencing the fast-paced environment. In entrepreneurship, it’s a new challenge every day. I chose Philosophy because I love to think differently and I love to write. My Philosophy minor has taught me to think of problems in a different way, suspending what’s right and wrong to get to the best solution, which is super helpful when it comes to business.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
It’s hard to pick one! In the business school, I’d have to say Kevin Thompson or Juan Florin. Thompson taught my Nonprofit Consulting course, and I feel like his guidance turned me into a functioning adult in the business school. He lets you figure things out but gives you the perfect amount of guidance so you learn and provide real solutions to nonprofits in need. Florin ignited my love of entrepreneurship with his Social Entrepreneurship class, and for that, I’ll always be grateful. He teaches with such passion and experience when it comes to that subject, it’s hard to not be inspired! Lastly, in Philosophy and overall, my favorite professor ever is Heather Battaly. I took Ethics and Epistemology with her, and I’ve never had such difficult topics make so much sense. She’s genuine, funny, and overall a fantastic professor.

What are your plans after graduation?
As of now, I plan on moving to New York City to work with startups when I graduate. I’m currently working with an awesome startup right now, which I will hopefully continue with full-time after graduation. When I took my internship, I thought I would take it to rule out the possibility of me moving to NYC. Now, it’s where I want to be. Just goes to show, take every opportunity you can, you never know what might come of it.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised at how many opportunities there are if you just seek them out. Going to a big school, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stand out from so many people. I was so wrong! People like Pam Costa and Lucy Gilson of the MGMT Department or David Noble, Kathy Rocha, and Katie Britt of the Werth Institute are more than eager to give students the resources they need to succeed in anything they want to do. It may seem scary, but the more you reach out and push on things you want to do, the higher the chance it is that these things become a reality.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
Enjoy your time at UConn. Make it work for you. Any opportunity that you think you can’t achieve, chances are you can. I never thought I’d be president of a learning community and an intern at Loeb in NYC, and that made me push that much harder for it. Anything you can think of, you can achieve with the right resources, connections, and mindset. Also, make sure to enjoy the non-academic side too. Speaking from experience, you never know when your time can get cut short. Make sure to have the fun times too, and don’t wait until the end to do it.

Additional student profile: Victoria Trautman

Eric Ress

School of Dental Medicine

Why did you choose UConn?
I was born and raised in Connecticut. I finished grad school in Indiana, but I always knew I wanted to come back here. I interviewed at three places, and UConn was immediately the place I felt most at home. When I got that acceptance, I was in France, but within minutes, I was on the phone to accept.

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
My degree is a doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) I like the artistry of dentistry and the ability to be directly involved in patient care. I was choosing between medical and dental school at UConn, and knowing the curriculum for medical and dental students is the same for the first two years was a huge draw for me.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be starting oral and maxillofacial surgery on July 1 at the University of Florida—Jacksonville. It’ll be a six year program to get an MD as well as becoming a fully certified maxillofacial surgeon.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
The biggest thing is being able to work with people, being able to communicate with other dentists, doctors, other specialists…when you have a nurse practitioner or a gastroenterologist talking to a dental student as an equal, that’s the best preparation.

What's something you learned in a class that you'll always remember?
Most of what dentists do in daily practice is very specific. But rather than listening to someone to respond, at UConn they taught us to listen to patients to hear what they’re really saying. If someone has an unusual problem and other providers haven’t believed them or effectively cared for them, listening, hearing them, can go a long way.

What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
How the faculty dealt with difficult times and situations, even the global pandemic. The support I’ve had from the school…I’m going to have really good memories of UConn, because they always have our best interests at heart.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
The biggest thing is making sure to take time for yourself, away from school. Balancing school, social life, and your own wellness. You’ll feel like you have to study 24-7, but you’ll feel better if you take time for yourself.

Esme Roszel

School of Fine Arts

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
Puppetry is the crossroads of design, storytelling, art, and performance. The community is wild and fascinating, and I couldn’t picture myself pursuing anything else.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Bart Roccoberton is the Director of the Puppet Arts Program and taught the majority of my classes. I owe a lot to him, and he encouraged and inspired me every step of the way.

What are your plans after graduation?
I have recently secured a position at Sesame Place, when the world is safe again. I am also pursuing several creative projects and would like to tour a show of my own someday.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
Discovering and taking advantage of the IDEA Grant was an amazing opportunity that took me by surprise.

What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
Go to a puppet slam! They are meant for adults, free to the public, and a great way to get a taste of the wild side of puppetry!

What's something good about UConn that not many people know?
If I haven’t made it obvious yet, it’s that UConn is home to an incredibly unique and secluded little bubble of some of the most talented artists I’ve ever known.

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
You will get out of college what you put into it. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of everything that interests you, because this is the time to experiment.

Additional student profiles: Austin Carfi, Eilis Garcia, Claire Pawlewit, Hal Tedeschi

Kate Topalis

School of Medicine

Why did you choose UConn?
It was important to me to be close to family during what I knew would be a stressful, demanding four years. It turned out to be a wonderful decision-- I was able to train in the same hospitals my parents work in and that I grew up going to, and was here to celebrate the birth of my nephew Connor. I cannot imagine surviving medical school-- with all of its emotional highs and lows-- without my family close by.

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be a Family Medicine resident at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia! I am thrilled to be training in an urban setting, where social context is so indivisible from clinical care.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
You go into medical school thinking you will have no time for anything but studying, but that is a total misconception. There is so much outside of classwork to get involved in! I never would have made it through these past four years without finding activities outside of coursework to motivate me, and to remind me why I chose this career in the first place.

What’s one thing all UConn students should do during their time at UConn?
Get the peanut butter banana milkshake flavored coffee in the cafeteria (kidding, don't do that).

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in your life?
As difficult as it was to be the first class of a new medical curriculum, I am incredibly grateful for all of the time I got to spend with my classmates in our TBL sessions. I know that I am a better teammate-- and far more adaptable!-- because of it.

What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
The Rotunda! Do any other rooms exist? Also, the smell of my anatomy lab scrubs.

Additional student profile: Antea DeMarsilis

Ivan Zhang

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

What’s your major and why did you choose it?
My major is Communication. I decided to study this major because it is a really broad major that contains unlimited possibilities. I found that by studying Communication I could experience mass media concepts, digital production techniques, interpersonal persuasions, and so much various brilliant stuff. This perfectly meets my life goal of unlimited awesome experiences. Therefore, I didn’t hesitate to decide studying this major.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor was Meghan Brown. I met her during the first semester I arrived at UConn, which was also my first time studying abroad. She was my English course professor but the help and instruction I got from her was more than just about becoming a good writer. If it was not for her, I could never be brave enough to get used to all the cultural conflicts I encountered. No matter how busy she was, she would always patiently give tons of feedback on how I could improve my writing and critical thinking skills. Whether I was in her class or not, she was always accessible for help. Whenever I shared my happiness and my successes, she was always even happier than I was when hearing them. I am so grateful and lucky to meet a professor like her in my college life.

What’s your favorite thing about UConn?
I’d say there is definitely no one thing that can be called the favorite to me about UConn, because there are too many things that UConn has inspired me with. I love UConn’s splendid natural views; I love all the talented people I met and worked with at UConn; I enjoy the dynamic student life at UConn… There wouldn’t be a paper in this world that could be big enough to have me list all the reasons why I love UConn!

What activities were you involved with on campus?
I joined UConn Student Television during my first semester at UConn and became the Events Director a year later. I went skydiving and fulfilled my dream of flying; I met the most adorable friends in QAA Club; I worked with the kindest people at Writing Center; I had the most amazing internship experience at University Communications and met the coolest people there … No matter if it is from the perspective of student life or the academic one, UConn provided me with all the best experiences I could ever get.

What were some of the things you had never done before you came to UConn?
I would never believe that I could be a writing tutor if I didn’t come UConn. This experience not only inspired me with more incredible writing techniques, but also enhanced my interpersonal communication skills from all the one-on-one sessions I had with various students.

What is one thing that will always make you think of UConn?
Horsebarn Hill, period! This place is the icon of UConn to me. My UConn life started from the Sunset Yoga I participated in at Horsebarn Hill. Whenever I felt stressful, I could always feel rescued by just standing on the hill and staring at the margin of sky and the forest far away from me. I encountered so many beautiful stories by simply chatting with the strangers there. I love this place so much!

Any advice for incoming first-year students?
Hey new Huskies! Congratulations! As an elder Husky, I would strongly suggest you all take your time to enjoy the life here at UConn. To meditate on Horsebarn Hill while admiring the pink sunset on the margin of sky; to look for the academic opportunities that could help you find what you love to learn in the near future; to join different amazing clubs and organizations and train yourselves with multiple great skills. Proud to be a Husky and UConn will never fail you!

Additional student profiles: Anna Zarra Aldrich, Sarah Baker, Himaja Nagireddy