Name: Kristina “Gigi” DiGiuseppe
Major: Secondary English Education and English
Year: Junior
Hometown: Avon, CT
Claim-To-Fame: Photography, Anything Musical, Karaoke Duets with Lil Brit
What is your favorite part of being in the Neag School of Education?
Neag has truly been a life-changing experience. It is incredible to be able to work in schools and get to know students as individuals. My philosophy on education is that I want to be able to help students find themselves. I faced much scrutiny in high school for being myself – outgoing, quirky, socially awkward – and I never want anyone to feel that way. There is no better feeling in the world than having a student look you in the eyes and thank you for helping them.
Do you have any role models?
My 12th grade English teacher totally opened my eyes to the world of English. She is such an inspiration to me in terms of being a teacher who thinks outside of the box, bringing in all aspects of creativity into the classroom. She helped pull me out of my shell and showed me how not to be afraid of writing, and I could never thank her enough for that.
How are you involved here at UConn?
I always tell people that I need 7 majors because I have too many interests, so I try to dabble in everything.
I’m involved in KUBE, a mentoring program with the cultural centers where students from Windham and Killingly come one Saturday a month and we do different activities with them promoting education and social skills. I’m a KUBE leader, so I work with others making the activities for our KUBE days. We break them up into fruit groups and I lead the Goofy Grapes.
I’m in Gamma Phi Beta, which is an amazing organization with such incredible women. I’ve met my future bridesmaids and lifelong friends. But more importantly, our philanthropy is Building Strong Girls. We want to be role models for young girls and show them how to be strong, successful women.
Perhaps what I’m most known for are my karaoke duets with Lil Brit. People recognize me from there all the time.
What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?
I love singing, guitar ukulele, piano…I always have headphones on – I love getting lost in the music. I love photography. I’ve been featured on the cover of the Hartford Courant, miscellaneous local newspapers, Starbucks. I have art hanging in the Avon Free Public Library as well as Avon Middle School. You can always see me wandering around campus with a camera in hand.