Back in ninth grade, I was in my hometown of Melbourne, Florida. It was the first day of geometry class at Eau Gallie High School, and I found my seat at the very front. On the lower right side of the whiteboard, my teacher had banners featuring many universities, but the one that I first saw was the University of Connecticut — specifically our school mascot, with the Husky’s eyes staring right into mine. At the time, I was certain I would go to the University of Central Florida since I was born and raised in the state. Never did I think that one day I would become a proud Husky and find my everlasting community.
Then fate moved my family and me to Manchester, Connecticut, to reunite with extended family. UConn now became a possibility. I applied, but I didn’t think much about it. I was still set on UCF. My journey has truly shaped me into the strong, confident, and grateful young woman I am today.
Every university is, at its core, simply an institution. What sets a university apart are the people you make memories with, and the opportunities that foster self-discovery and help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. I have made lifelong friends, traveled the world through study abroad, sung my heart out during Late Night karaoke, and had snowball fights on our ever-loved snow days. The joys are endless, all because of the supportive faculty and the loving Husky student body.
There are years of memories, making it impossible to recount them all. Yet, one particular experience forever changed my life. During the fall 2024 semester, I had the transformative opportunity to study abroad in Granada, Spain, leaving the country for the very first time. A whole new world was introduced to me, where I formed invaluable relationships and learned to adapt to and appreciate a new culture. With my newfound independence, I bravely explored Morocco, Portugal, Belgium, and Gibraltar, navigating unfamiliar environments by engaging with locals, asking questions, and seamlessly switching between English and Spanish.
This experience would have been nonexistent had it not been for the financial and moral support of the Experiential Global Learning staff here at UConn, and of course, the wonderful friends who regularly checked up on me while I was on the other side of the ocean. Thank you, Makaela and Michelle, my best friends forever!
Beyond this incredibly significant example, the vast array of student clubs and resources at UConn encouraged my fear-of-missing-out-driven self to explore it all. The Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, the Academic Achievement Center, Undergraduate Student Government, Her Campus, The Daily Campus, and the Office of Student Activities have all played an integral role in shaping the student and soon-to-be professional I am today.
The Student Alumni Association has a bucket list of 81 things to do before graduation, and I am proud to say that I explored every single item. I told you, I suffer from FOMO. As I transition from college to the professional world, I am proud to say I am leaving fulfilled, prepared, and uplifted. No matter where I go, I will forever represent my school and show the world what we Huskies are capable of.
A Message to the Class of 2026:
Our UConn journey marks the launchpad to a successful and joyous life ahead. They say college is the best four years of your life. Speaking to you all now, I can confidently say these four years have been the best of my 22 years. That being said, I am excited to make new memories using the confidence, knowledge, and experiences I have gained. I am ready to create a future filled with achievement, travel, and community impact, and I hope you all feel excited for what comes next. Know that you will accomplish great things.
Once a Husky, forever a Husky. Let’s all leave here ready to show the world who UConn students are and what we are capable of. Our Husky pride lives on. Let us rejoice, for our college journey is only the beginning of a wonderful future for us all. Now I ask you to please stand and make some noise as we mark this day as a promise — a promise that our future will be filled with days overflowing with joy, success, and love.
Let’s say it one time, loud and proud: UConn Huskies! Thank you all.