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

Major: BS, Chemistry Education
Hometown: Colchester, Connecticut

Q: Why did you choose UConn?

A: I chose UConn because there are so many opportunities here. When I applied, I was unsure about what my goals were in my life and my career. I knew that UConn had so many different groups of people, and I was positive that I would eventually find the place where I belonged within the community.

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

A: My major is chemistry education. I didn’t start out immediately knowing that I would end up in education. I entered UConn as a biomedical engineering major, but it never felt like the perfect fit. Through the School (now College) of Engineering, I was able to get a job as a STEM summer program director for middle schoolers. Working with students and creating a project-based curriculum for them was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I realized how much I enjoyed sharing my science knowledge with the kids and acting as a mentor for them while they were in the program. Halfway through my sophomore year, I decided to make the switch to education. It has been incredible, and I have never looked back.

Q: Did you have a favorite professor or class?

A: My favorite professor would have to be Dr. Todd Campbell. He was my professor for the senior science teaching methods course. His enthusiasm for education is infectious, and I felt like I was constantly expanding my view of what it meant to be an effective science teacher when I was in class with him. I view him as someone whom I can go to for advice and who I know will always be rooting for my success.

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

A: The main non-academic activity that I have been involved in during my time at UConn is the UConn Tap Team. I have been a member of the team for all four years. We compete with tap dance routines that we practice over the course of the school year. The connections that I have made with people on the team are a part of what has made my time at UConn so meaningful. Now, I am the team president and get to give back to the organization, which is responsible for many amazing memories.

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

A: I was surprised by how small UConn can feel at times, in a good way. Once you start making connections with people on campus, you will never feel like you’re going through life alone. It is nice to see familiar faces wherever you are and to have a sense of belonging.

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

A: My immediate plan is to be a chemistry instructor for UConn’s BRIDGE program run by the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion. I will also be enjoying the warm weather and making sure I take time to enjoy this season of life. My long-term goal is to move to Boston and begin my education career. I want to continue growing and learning as an educator and make an impact on students’ lives.

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

A: The Neag School of Education at UConn has been wonderful. I feel like my courses and student teaching experience have made me a more confident and capable teacher. The best way to learn is through practice, and my time with the Neag School of Education has given me so many opportunities to try new tools and techniques in a supportive environment. UConn has also made me more passionate. My four years here allowed me to explore different sides of my identity and find the things that make me feel energized and fulfilled. Education was an unexpected path for me, and I wouldn’t have found my love for teaching if UConn didn’t value a well-rounded student experience.

Education was an unexpected path for me, and I wouldn’t have found my love for teaching if UConn didn’t value a well-rounded student experience. &#8212 Sara Rosenthal

Q: Any advice for incoming students?

A: Just trust the process and trust yourself. If you’re not feeling a little lost in your direction in life at least once, you’re probably doing it all wrong. Enjoy it while it’s happening. Sometimes I feel like I worried so much about what was coming next that I forgot to take in the details. Don’t forget that you’re probably living the life you were thinking about a few years ago and how awesome that is.

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

A: Explore. There are so many unique and interesting little pockets of campus that I would have never found if I didn’t wander. It is easy to stay in your routine out of convenience, but I think everyone should try to see parts of campus they would never normally encounter.

Q: What will always make you think of UConn?

A: Gentry will always make me think of UConn. I have sat outside on the sundial more times than I can remember and stared up at the building. I will always remember the first time I walked through Gentry after getting accepted into the Neag School. I will never forget how right it felt. I will always think of the Gentry vending machine when I think of UConn and how my cohort mates would sneak down to grab a snack during lecture breaks. Gentry will always make me think of the wonderful people I met there and how I wouldn’t be the same without them.