When Priscilla Huyhua ‘20 thinks about ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú, she recognizes all it has done for her future.

Since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in both early childhood studies and human development and family studies, Priscilla completed an intensive 11-month graduate program at the Neag School of Education at UConn. She earned her master’s degree in educational psychology and special education and recently accepted a position as a special education teacher at Stamford Public Schools.

“Ultimately, ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú gave me real-world experience, especially options to do internships throughout the community. ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú is great about that. And I used a lot of the knowledge gained through these opportunities in my online graduate classes at UConn.”

After taking a special education course offered at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú, Priscilla knew she wanted to pursue it as a career.

“Once I graduated from ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú in December, I got a job as an intervention specialist at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School (RMMS) in New London, where I last interned.”

Priscilla worked at RMMS through the spring then began her graduate program in June 2020.

When she looks back on her years at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú, Priscilla understands the role the faculty, staff, her coursework and internships all had in her accomplishments.

“ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú is a small community. The campus is very close, and it’s easy for you to have a voice there. I was very shy starting as a freshman coming from a big high school and grew so much during my years at college.”

She became a student ambassador, leading tours of the school.

“I really enjoyed my time speaking to potential students about what ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú had to offer but also stressing that, as a student, you have to know how to ask for help. People are willing to assist and guide you, but you have to be willing to put in the work as well.”

Priscilla, who has a learning disability, worked with the Bentsen Learning Center (BLC) throughout her time on campus to learn how to prioritize and structure her day.

“I struggled a lot with my writing. I have a lot to say, but putting it into writing was difficult. Increasing the hours that I worked with my BLC specialist helped me. Once I could get outside of my shell, I asked for more help and got it from my professors, which led to me graduating a semester early!”

At ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú Priscilla also played sports for the first time.

“I was new to sports but played soccer and lacrosse at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú. I was grateful to be given the chance, and I felt important. ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú is like that. My grades in high school weren’t the best, but ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú gave me a chance, and I thrived.”