Coming into my freshman year of college, I was so overwhelmed. It was my first time living independently from my parents and I came in knowing five people who attended my high school. I can confidently say that being in the Honors Program has not only given me a supportive community of friends, but also motivation when it comes to my academics. The Honors Program might sound intimidating at first, however, with the support system that I was able to receive from my teachers, peers, and RA, being given the ability to be a part of the Honors Program has been an absolute blessing. Whether you are considering applying for the Honors Program or accepting the offer to be in the Honors Program, it is an opportunity that you will be able to carry with you throughout your years at UConn and even after you graduate. The thing that I find the most exciting about UConn is how many people there are here. With an enrollment size of almost 20,000 students, you will be meeting new people every single day. I like to consider myself an outgoing person and being able to see new faces everyday is something that I genuinely always look forward to. You may not click with the first group of people you become friends with, but there are so many other people who are worth meeting and being friends with. People you may pass by as you first walk on campus can end up becoming your best friends a couple months down the line, and for me, that is the most exciting thing about UConn. - Claire Kim, Biological Sciences, 2026 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
I am a Maker Specialist and Co-Student Manger at the UConn Innovation Zone. The Innovation Zone is a maker space on campus open to all UConn faculty, students, and staff. We have a lot of incredible machines, such as the Laser Cutter [and] 3D Printers...We also offer various Skillshares run by Maker Specialists…[and] various events. My favorite event is the Women in Making Forum [on 3/25/23, which]...seeks to highlight and celebrate how women find success within the maker movement. We will celebrate success stories and discuss best practices to navigate obstacles through interactive discussion and empowering skill-building workshops. The conference is free to attend.
"My curiosity about the interplay between the human mind and social justice has motivated me to pursue a dual degree in physiology and neurobiology, as well as human rights. Through insightful Honors classes in both fields, I have developed strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of the complex relationship between biology and society. In particular, my research in behavioral neuroscience has focused on addiction and the ways in which neuroscience can be leveraged to create positive change in society. This work has reinforced my belief in the potential of science and technology to drive meaningful progress, improve lives, and promote human rights. UConn offers a wealth of resources and opportunities, from academic programs to clubs and organizations, that allow for endless exploration and pursuit of interests. Through an Honors course, I discovered my passion for human rights, despite being a physiology and neurobiology major. Adding a human rights major to my plan of study was a highlight of my academic journey, and I am grateful to the advisors and Honors community for their unwavering support and encouragement." - Aish Benzy, Physiology & Neurobiology & Human Rights, 2025 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
Hello UConn Honors Community! My name is Danielle, and I am a senior Marketing student. Being invited to join this program was something I never expected when I applied to UConn. Initially, I was unsure if I wanted to accept the opportunity. However, after speaking with an Honors student at the 2019 Honors Reception, my mind was made up. It was extremely encouraging to speak with someone who looked like me and gave me the assurance that I would be supported in this program. Looking back, I am still glad I accepted the opportunity. It has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my field and create projects that I wouldn`t have otherwise. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the Honors Program, I highly recommend speaking with our staff. (Yes, I do work in the Honors Office in Rowe, but I promise this is unbiased!) There are SO many resources and opportunities available, which our staff can walk you through. I wish I recognized this sooner in my time at UConn. If you still have time, I encourage you to take full advantage of the benefits at your disposal. Don`t hesitate to pay us a visit in Rowe or Buckley to learn more! - Danielle Livingston, Marketing, 2023 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
"Being a member of the Honors community at UConn has been an amazing opportunity because it has pushed me to make the most out of my college experience. Taking Honors courses has challenged me academically, living in the Honors learning community is how I met many of my best friends, and attending honors events has introduced me to a variety of opportunities for personal and academic growth. I`m happy to be a member of the Honors community because it has truly enhanced my time here at UConn. In my first semester at UConn, I joined Phi Sigma Rho, which is a social sorority for women in STEM majors. I was excited to join an organization full of women with similar studies to my own, and over a year later I`m very glad I did. I`m involved in Phi Sigma Rho because I feel strongly about our values and I believe in empowering other women. I`ve built lasting friendships with many of the sisters, had the opportunity to give back via service and philanthropy events, and gained a confidence I didn`t have before thanks to the support of Phi Rho and its members." - Lucy Temple, Environmental Engineering, 2025 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
"The main reason I decided to attend UConn was, quite honestly, the Honors program! I had heard great things about the program in the past, and I knew it would offer me an opportunity to challenge myself academically, and encourage me to make the most of my college experience. UConn also has so many unique extracurriculars and academic programs, so I knew I would be able to explore a variety of disciplines, and find a niche that I fit into nicely as well. Being a member of the Honors Community has brought me a lot of cool opportunities that I wouldn`t otherwise have had. Because I was an Honors student, I was able to acquire a position in a research lab on campus, as well as my current job as an Honors GPS! In general, the Honors staff and community at large has been very welcoming and encouraging, and it has made completing my Honors requirements a lot more manageable." - Caroline Lynch, Psychological Sciences & Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, 2024 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
“I`ve gotten to meet so many amazing people in my time in the Honors Program so far--several that I`m still close with today! Not only have I met some of my closest friends in the Honors Program, but I have also had the opportunity to work with faculty that never cease to make UConn Honors a welcoming environment. [The Honors Program is] comprised of very kind-hearted and talented people doing amazing things! Your Honors experience is really your own; don`t feel pressured to "be the best" or "do the most." Everyone`s journeys are different, so go at the pace that works for you!” - Yewande Olumide, Psychological Sciences, 2024 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
“Being a part of the honors community is an incredibly refreshing experience. The friends that I’ve made continue to impress me and educate me about lifestyles I could have only dreamed about. I chose Political Science and Economics because I believe in the people of the United States and I have dedicated my life to helping them. I want to be a public servant and make it the mission of my life to help as many people as I can.”
"For those interested in the Honors Program, I recommend leveraging a sense of urgency around academic and personal development. I personally was not aware of the program until Kaitlin [Heenehan] provided me with information and resources for getting involved. I thought that I had to originally apply to the UConn Honors Program. It was my junior year, and when talking with Kaitlin, I realized it was not too late. If you don’t know, ask! There are a lot of resources on campus that I utilized and aided in my academic endeavors.
"I chose my field of study because, although my majors are totally different from each other, both are helping along my pre-law track in different ways. Political Science provides a very solid foundation of law, criminal justice, and human rights that I am incredibly interested in, and music allows for a creative outlet that still promotes discipline and (incredibly) hard work. I`ve always been interested in politics, beginning in my freshman year of high school. I continued volunteering and working on different campaigns through high school and actually ended up interning in Congress this past summer. My coursework, even the classes that are not explicitly about politics, has taught me how to work through different issues and deeper understand how my each of my majors apply in the real-world. Growing up in such a politically divisive climate definitely encouraged me to get more into politics, and eventually choose to attend law school. " - Alex Wynne, Political Science & Music, 2025 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
"A piece of advice that I would give someone who wants to get involved in the Honors Program is that even though it may seem like a lot sometimes, there are so many resources to help students get what they want out of the program. The effort you put into being successful in Honors is what you get out of it, so check those emails and take advantage of the variety of super interesting events that are happening on campus!" - Bryanna D`Souza, Psychological Sciences & Political Science, 2024 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“During my freshman year at UConn, I was fascinated by all the research that my professors were doing. We would be learning something and they would stop and say, “actually, this can be applied in my lab…” I was inspired by how passionate they were. Performing research at university gives scientists the autonomy to study what they want to study, and I finally got to experience that during my fourth semester here. Doing research with like-minded folks outside of class, using state-of-the-art equipment is extremely rewarding.” - Samiha Haque, Chemical Engineering, 2023 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“I`m really passionate about everything related to education and personal development. During my time here at UConn, I have naturally found myself being drawn to roles in which I play a role in others` personal development, whether it be in career and leadership development or in mentoring roles. To be honest, I can somewhat attribute my chosen path to my own experiences in which I wished that someone was there, telling me this information, when I was younger. Now, I want to be that person advocating for students like me. Currently, I assist with the development of career-related programs and initiatives as an intern at the Center for Career Development. I am also on the executive board of Residence Hall Association in which I oversee 18 sub-organizations called Hall Councils and their leadership development, in addition to being the Vice President of Marketing for Ascend UConn, a chapter of North America`s largest Pan-Asian professional organization, and a mentor for The Major Experience.” - Lauren Deleon, Marketing, 2022 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“A piece of advice I would give to someone interested in enriching their college experience is to get out of their comfort zone and challenge yourself to do something that you are passionate about. The Honors Program is one of those communities in which you have the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the subject of your interest. Students are also provided with support and mentorship throughout the whole experience. In my experience with Honors, I had the opportunity to conduct research and learn about the whole process of completing a study from administration, to methodology, and data analyses. The whole experience has allowed me to grow as an individual and has deepened my understanding of the world around me. The Honors Program also sets students up to be prepared for graduate school or leading other projects in the future. I would recommend that other students try to get involved in their passion projects and see where it may lead in the future.” - Sabrina Uva, Human Development and Family Sciences, 2022 @uconnstamfordenrichment @uconnour #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“I started at UConn as a Statistics major. During my sophomore year, I discovered an interest in nursing when I responded to an emergency as a lifeguard, and decided to apply to the nursing program. I am now pursuing a dual degree in Statistics and Nursing and am excited to see how I can combine these areas of study in my career! I am also President of the Club Water Polo team here at UConn. I joined the team freshman year with no water polo experience. It has been fun to watch myself improve over the years. The team has also allowed me to take on a leadership role. I started as Community Service Chair sophomore year and progressed through Secretary, Vice President, and now President. The team is co-ed and we travel to Boston for tournaments in the fall. It has been a great way to make friends get some much needed physical activity throughout the week!” - Megan Russell, Nursing and Statistics, 2023 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“My favorite part about being in the Honors Program is the community and numerous opportunities for engagement that it provides. If I was not part of the Honors Program and the mentorship it provides, I would not have been involved in research which allows me to develop and enhance critical thinking, communication, and research skills. As a research assistant I am able to connect with students and faculties across campuses. My favorite part of being involved with the Office of Undergraduate Research is that it allows me to learn more about various topics I am interested in, and provides me with an opportunity to positively contribute to my campus environment.” - Abigail Ricketts, Psychological Sciences, 2024 @uconnstamfordenrichment @uconnour #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“One of the reasons that I chose to come to UConn was the feeling that I got when I stepped onto campus for my first visit. I loved the feeling of being surrounded by so many other people and the sense of community. There was also a great sense of pride for UConn which I hadn`t felt at other schools. I also felt that the academic programs were of a high caliber, especially in the Honors Program, and the price was reasonable. Overall it was the best of both worlds with being able to get the academics that I wanted, saving money compared to other similar universities, and being able to be somewhat close to home.” - Carolyn Cumello, Finance, 2024 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“Living in New York City for the past 18 years of my life made me want to move out of the city and experience the suburban life UConn had to offer. From the day that I visited UConn, I felt a sense of community and engagement among peers. Just seeing everyone walking around in UConn apparel, enjoying basketball games, enjoying the nice weather by Mirror Lake made me want to be a Husky. Getting an acceptance from the Honors Program was another big reason I came here because I wanted to be surrounded by a community of students who were just as academically motivated as me. Outside of going to classes or the gym, I am usually at UConn Hillel where I serve as the Vice President of Marketing. UConn Hillel is the center of Jewish culture on campus and coming from a very Jewish neighborhood back at home, Hillel has become my home away from home. A lot of my friends from high school are Jewish and one of the things I was looking forward to in coming to UConn was to make Jewish friends who shared similar interests and cultural experiences as me. I also aspire to be a lawyer one day, and being a woman has pushed me to connect with other women aspiring to take on a male-dominated field by joining Empowering Women In Law. I also attend weekly Law Society and Healthcare Management meetings.” - Yana Tartakovskiy, Healthcare Management, 2025 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“Being a member of the Honors community has given me much happiness during my time at UConn. Living at Buckley with other Honors students has created a little community among us where we can rely on each other academically and socially. Being with peers with a similar drive has motivated me to become a better student and try harder. Everyday I am constantly inspired by all my Honors peers with all the things that they do. More specifically, being a STEM Scholar has given me so many opportunities that I didn`t think was possible before I came to UConn, such as research, seminars, and networking opportunities.” - Fariha Fardin, Molecular & Cell Biology, 2025 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
“One extracurricular which I have found to be particularly fun is the Little I Show, which I have participated in for the last three years. My freshman year, all Animal Science students were assigned a farm animal to visit weekly in order to socialize and familiarize the animal with human contact, as well as learn how to interact with animals one usually does not encounter. I was assigned to a male pig, which I named Hamlet, and I had so much fun playing with him each week during the first half of the fall semester. I learned so much about him and myself, and felt it was a great way for first semester freshmen to really dive head-first into the program. Sending photos and videos of my pig back to my family and friends in New Jersey was so much fun and helped make my transition from home to college much less daunting, as it gave me a fun way to reach out to them and connect each day even though we were far apart. This fall, I was a herdsman for the pigs, so for a couple hours each week I went to the Swine Barn and helped the new freshmen acclimate to the program and answered any and all questions they had about not only Little I, but different classes and aspects of the Animal Science program that I have had experience with already. I think the Little I program is a great way to build bonds across grade levels and shows each student very early on in their time at UConn just how great the Animal Science program is.” - Lindsay Sickinger, Animal Science, 2023 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
Since I was in Kindergarten, I knew I wanted to work with animals; my mom has an “All About Me” poster to prove it...As I got older, I held onto that dream seeking out any opportunity that got me hands-on with animals. Initially, I wanted to become a veterinarian, but in my junior year of college, I switched my career focus toward animal-assisted therapy. I recently completed an IDEA Grant project, receiving $5,000 of research funding from [UConn] to develop my project...[as a program promoting] positive mental health and self-care among adolescent girls of color using an animal care framework. This program sought to combat the stigma against mental health in communities of color by working with youth. Students in this program will engage in conversations about mental health, self-care, and primary animal care training...[Participants]...learned about primary animal care and training practices, gained hands-on experience working with animals, gained a deeper understanding of how to care for their social and physiological well-being, learned about various animal careers, and met individuals working in those fields, received and were taught how to use a self-care kit tailored to their age group. I am writing my Honors Thesis about the role Animal-Assisted therapy can play in an educational setting. I recently got into both the University of Denver and [UConn’s] Masters of Social Work programs. - Jasmine Morris, Animal Science & Applied and Resource Economics, 2023 #humansofhonors #uconnhonors
Ryan Rosario, Political Science & Economics, 2026 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
I have learned that opportunity is created when you inhibit people from putting limits on you, and when you do not put limits on yourself. I did not know my next turn after I graduated high school in 2018. I originally was going to attend a school in D.C., but I decided to take a gap year. I wanted to begin supplementing my professional development with academic pursuits, so I applied to UConn, and began commuting as a part-time student in 2019.
I thought that I would be at UConn for 5 years, however, I quickly found my passion points thanks to supportive professors and advisors that helped me bridge my academic and professional endeavors. Now I am graduating in the Spring of 2023, and I am thankful for the environment that I found at UConn-enabling me to grow not only as a student, but as a global citizen: Everything is what you make it, and I have found that a few wrong turns may lead you to a better destination." - Karus Sabio, Political Science, 2023 #uconnhonors #humansofhonors
