Freshman Erica McCullough is a Long Island Native here at UConn. Since fall semester, she has been a featured dancer in Encore Dance team and UConn Dance Company. Recently, I sat down with this Chemistry/ Pre-Med major to find out about her involvement in dance, experience at UConn thus far, and tips on balancing a busy social and school life!
Q: What made you want to get involved with Encore Dance team and UConn Dance Company?
“I wanted to get involved with dance related things on campus, mainly because I love to dance. Being on stage is my favorite place. Also, being a freshman, I was looking to make new friends and thought joining these clubs would be a good starting point.”
Q: Some readers may not know the difference between Encore Dance team and UConn Dance Company. Can you differentiate amongst the two briefly?
“Encore is hip-hop and contemporary. We get invited to perform at events on campus. (Our first ever showcase is at Jorgenson on April 13th)! UConn Dance Company has all genres of dance and puts on two showcases a year- fall and spring. They are pretty similar.”
Q: How has your involvement influenced your first year at UConn?
“It has allowed me to meet a lot of upperclassmen that I consider as my big sisters/brothers- like a family. Also, joining both clubs has helped me to feel part of the UConn community- especially because UConn is such a big school.”
Q: You are a Chemistry/ Pre-Med major with a demanding dance schedule. What tips help you balance such a busy academic and social life?
“Hmm…. I’m still working on that. I try not to procrastinate and I try my best to plan my schedule out so that I have time to get all my work done. Occasionally, I have to stay up really late studying after dance practice. Pulling all-nighters does the trick sometimes.”
Q: Do you think you’ll join any more clubs or organizations around campus?
“I am trying out for cheerleading this spring and I want to look into Pre-Med society next semester. I am also considering joining Big Brothers Big Sisters. Also, I want to get a job at Student Health Services.”
Q: What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned at UConn so far?
“There’s a lot of free time in college and if you don’t use it up, it will go to waste!”
Q: What has been your most memorable moment at UConn so far?
“Getting a 95 on my chem test was an accomplishment… but being recognized for my dance performance the day after a show was pretty rewarding- especially because a stranger was complimenting me.”
Q: Who is your “girl-power” inspiration?
“The Queen… Beyoncé… duh! Mainly because she’s flawless- (laughs), she’s a strong woman who stayed focused on her goals… Which is exactly what I want to do… and maybe have a baby like Blue.”
Q: What do you foresee in your next three years at UConn?
“Lots of stress and studying to get into medical school… and some fun memories!”
If you’re interested in following Erica on social media:
Instagram: thebossxo_
Twitter: antiteenager