Our lovely guest host Lexi Silva interviews UConn Dance Company in this episode. Listen to advice from seniors and enjoy this promo of the dance company!

Welcome back Huskies! We are kicking off this season with Q&A content from UConn Bound Day 2023. Prospective students ask and answer all of the questions. Curious about greek life on campus? Interested in learning more about student orgs? We chat about the details of it all. Take a listen to learn more about navigating student life at UConn. 

In this next episode of season three, the My First Year Story Podcast welcomes Madeline Kizer, who is the founder of The Swap Shop and Kizer Collective. Located on UConn’s campus, Madeline describes her story of how she got into fashion, the first ideas of a swap shop through a UConn program, and the struggles of establishing the store on campus. Even though she is amazed at how it all happened, she still wishes to see the store grow and continue to give space for the fashion and art-loving community on campus. Make sure to tune in so you don’t miss out on Madeline’s story!

How do we make space in our lives? How do we create space across campus and our communities, even when it's difficult? How do we make space for all our own passions? As Riley Scarritt completes her senior thesis, a magazine, she is giving space to the various musicians and bands across campus. She is allowing them to tell their stories and their passions while also participating in her own through graphics and this thesis. Tomaso and Riley in this episode discuss the vulnerability of art and music, as well as being a transfer student. They also talk about the music community, the unity of it all, and how we should be moving forward. 

We’re back!!!! Welcome to season 3 of the My First Year Story podcast! This season we will explore the theme of creating spaces that are missing on campus that would enrich student experiences at UConn.  In this introduction episode Tomaso sits down with the exec board for the 2023-2024 academic year to introduce them and talk about their journey at UConn. Some of the members even share personal stories about creating their own spaces!

In this week’s episode, Tomaso discusses anything and everything about studying abroad! Tomaso takes us through his experience from first considering going abroad to actually living and learning in another country! Before heading overseas, Tomaso worked with UConn Experiential Global Learning to find the best program for him. He is currently studying in the communication and graphic design program at the University of the Arts London in London, England! Tomaso felt intimidated by the size of the program compared to UConn’s smaller art department. Tomaso has not let any worries get the best of him, sharing his exciting upcoming plans! Tomaso’s main message is that if you want to go abroad: you should do it. 

My First Year Semester Abroad will be a mini-series special following our host, Tomaso, as he spends the semester abroad in London! This season we will learn about Tomaso’s experience adjusting to new changes while exploring a new place. Follow along with us this season to hear about the ups and downs of college life: abroad.

Season two of My First Year Story concludes with special guests Dr. Linda Pelletier and Donna McNeil, both of whom discuss their roles within UConn’s relatively new American Sign Language (ASL) program which began in 2020. As a current faculty member, coordinator, instructor and major advisor for the ASL program, Linda’s knowledge and familiarity of ASL stems from being a CODA (child of deaf adults), having used ASL amongst family for all of her life. As a Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) major, Donna initially intended to be an ASL minor. However, after experiencing the immersive nature of ASL classes taught by deaf professors, it was difficult to resist the opportunity once ASL was finally offered as a major. Donna is now a senior, double-majoring in MCB and ASL and also serves as president of UConn’s ASL club. This week’s episode features a conversation regarding our guests’ undergraduate experiences and how ASL has made an impact upon their academic journeys. Here, we are able to see perspectives from both sides — what it’s like to be familiar with deaf culture and to teach others about it, as well as the significance of learning it.

The My First Year Story podcast welcomes our special guest Avital Sutin, the President of UConn Hillel. Avital’s authentic take on working smarter not harder has evolved with her through her leadership positions on campus, namely UConn Hillel. She discusses the value of connecting to and reflecting on her identity through the support she found in the Jewish community at UConn. This drives her to continue to be that resource for others as the leader of this identity-centered group. Avital also emphasizes the importance of self-care especially when being so busy whether it be going for a walk or stepping back from what she is doing for a couple of minutes to regroup. Taking a break to recharge allows her to give her best in everything she is involved with. Be sure to tune in to learn more about UConn Hillel and Avital’s experience at UConn!

On this week’s episode, Tomaso sits down with Kelly Kennedy, the Director of Transformative Learning, and two undergraduate TA’s, Alexandra Stamboulis and Katelyn Desautels to discuss UConn's School of Business. With experience working in universities and in private companies, Kelly felt drawn back to the college setting help young professionals and ensure that students can bridge the gap between what they learn in their academics and how to apply those experiences to future careers. She wants students to take advantage of every opportunity and resource available to them. Alexandra and Katelyn, both seniors, feel as though they have experienced UConn at its fullest. Through their involvement in different clubs and organizations, they continue to build their networks of peers and professionals. Tune in to learn more about the School of Business at UConn and all that it has to offer.