And I am here to talk about one of my Colleagues at the Lodewick Visitors Center, Keerthi. She comes from a unique background having been born in Bangalore, India

Bangalore, India - Shopping District

and moved to the United States when she was barely a year old. She has kept her sense of the homeland and even knows Telugu, her hometown’s language, fluently enough to be able to read and write.  She still sings traditional Indian songs.

When she was in high school and looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a school close to home but not in her home state of Massachusetts. She also wanted a larger school that offered many different majors because she was unsure of what she wanted to do. After applying to a few New England state schools, she wisely decided on the University of Connecticut.

Moving in freshman year to the Northwest Residence Halls, she quickly made friends, four of whom she continued to live with through sophomore year. To Keerthi, the adjustment from living with her parents to living on her own in college was a hard transition. Thankfully UConn has a course specifically designed to help freshman out with this very problem – First Year Experience, or FYE class.

She got through her first semester without a hitch and decided to explore the multitude of opportunities offered at UConn. She got involved with the Student Union Board of Governor’s (SUBOG) Concert Committee and helped set up (and clean up) for the Ludacris and B.O.B. concert. When the concert was over, she even got to meet B.O.B. She also was involved with Area Council which sets up events and trips for her residence area. Finally, and most importantly, she was hired at the Lodewick Visitors Center.

More recently she was involved the alternative winter break to Birmingham, Alabama. This trip was designed to get students more aware of social challenges facing our own nation. While she was down there, Keerthi helped an underprivileged family by painting their house and cleaning up inside. She also visited a tornado supply warehouse which had been emptied and refilled 15 times since last May. On her last day she visited an inner city school and saw what life was like for the students.  From this experience she became aware of how hard life is for some people and was motivated enough to join in Big Brothers Big Sisters this semester.

Keerthi is always trying to do more and help people. She still has two more years to explore all of the different opportunities at UConn – one of her college goals. One of her Eventually, she hopes all of these college experiences will prepare her to join the Peace Corps. From the looks of it – Keerthi is on the the right track!

It was my good fortune to interview my fellow Colleague, Nisarg. While I chatted with Nisarg and learned more about him, he casually ate a raspberry yogurt from the University cafe and addressed each question with poise and grace. To be honest, Nisarg was one of the tour guides I knew the least well at the Visitors Center but after our half hour interview I feel that I really have learned a lot about him.

First we started with his background. Nisarg grew up much differently than I did as he wasn’t born in the United States. He lived in Gujarat, India until he was five years old when his family moved to America. An early experience that had shaped his life is incredibly surprising. He told me a story about how he almost died when he was five years old. Nisarg was trying to get a bike and while doing so, a bookshelf completely fell on top of him. The doctor said that had the bookshelf hit him any lower on the head, Nisarg would have been paralyzed! To this day there is still a portion of his head that doesn’t grow hair as a result of his accident. I also learned that Nisarg fell out of a moving car….but that’s a different story!

After leaving India, Nisarg, his parents and his younger sister moved to Massachusetts where he lived until he came to UConn as a freshman. While Nisarg originally looked at private schools, he ended up choosing UConn because of our awesome Physio-Neuro Biology program and the scholarships he was offered.  Because Nisarg came in with a lot of Advanced Placement credits he wanted challenging coursework his first year. He was also slightly taken aback by the size of our school and it took him a little while to adjust. Getting involved in research opportunities really helped him though because it gave him direction and is where he found his niche.

I learned that Nisarg is very neat just like me! He loves to clean and doesn’t like things to be out of place which is exactly how I feel! When I asked Nisarg what the top two foods where that he had to have in his room, he said Banana Wafers (a yummy Indian snack) and BBQ Fritos (which made me laugh). Nisarg is currently residing in Connecticut Commons and enjoys his single. He said that for his senior year he hopes to live in Hilltop Apartments!

At the end of our interview we talked a little bit on his future. Nisarg is planning on going to medical school and while he ponders studying in Las Vegas, Nisarg thinks he will probably study in Massachusetts (Harvard?). In the beginning Nisarg was looking at studying cancer research but he has recently become interested in studying cardiology. I think my favorite part of our talk was when Nisarg talked about his goals for this year. He set two goals for himself, the first being learning how to relax and taking some time for himself. The second was part of his UConn bucket list and it was to play Oozeball.

I really enjoyed talking with Nisarg and getting to know him better. I had a lot of fun learning about his background and careers aspirations Also I thought his hat was pretty much the most awesome hat ever!

Imagine that it is finals season once again for the fall semester. After many nights where the library seems like a second home, where caffeine has become the drink of choice, and you strain to remember all the you have learned thus far in your classes, the thought of an entire month of complete and utter freedom seems like a dream come true. This need for freedom is certainly not a unique feeling. In fact, it seems as though winter break comes precisely when it is most needed, helping to relieve the stress of the final stretch of the semester.

While most all students look forward to the month of freedom that winter break brings, it is important to stay occupied and set goals for yourself. Though it may not seem like a long time, these four weeks can start to become quiet tedious without any plans. Especially after being away for three months at school, reconnecting with hometown friends and family is a great way to catch up and relax. Go to the local bookstore and choose one of those “just for fun” reads that seems impossible to do with the multitude of daily semester activities. Help your little brother study for his upcoming math test—not only will you get to spend time with him, but you get to brush up on that algebra you forgot you knew. Do the ordinary, the mundane—offer to drive to the grocery store for your mom and spend that extra five minutes choosing the bananas with absolutely no brown spots. Over break, I did all of these seemingly simple activities and more—it proved the best way for me to relax after a busy semester.

Of course, being the busybody that I tend to be (as most of my LVC Colleagues know!), my break did consist of quite a few adventures. One of these adventures was Otis Ridge Ski Camp, in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, where I was a counselor. That’s right. I spent my week on the mountain for about nine hours a day, teaching youngins how to glide down the mountain, pizza and French fry style, of course! I also tried my hand..er.. feet.. at snowboarding one day when a fellow counselor attempted to teach me! While it took a long while to even get down the bunny hill,  still felt like an accomplishment knowing that I had tried something out of my comfort zone.

Rebecca, my fellow counselor and I, getting ready to hit the slopes at ski camp!

Out of the cold mountains and into the hot, humid air—following ski camp, I decided to visit one of my good friends, Caiti, in Florida. Caiti is not only one of my friends here at UConn, but also my sorority sister. Her family was very welcoming and eager to get my acquainted with their home in the “sunshine state.” One evening, her father took us out on the family’s boat to cruise around the Miami shore. I got some “R & R” sitting in her backyard and soaking in that south Florida sun while reading Mercy by Jodi Picoult. Relaxation at its finest.

Good thing we had those few days of relaxation because Caiti and I decided to drive up to Orlando to spend a few days touring all of the Disney theme parks.  We were so excited we didn’t even think about sleeping or lounging around! Instead, we wanted to embrace our inner child and experience all the magic that these parks have to offer. Surprisingly, we were able to view most every performance and go on most every ride, including my favorite—the Teacups! It was excellent being able to spend quality time with not only Mickey and Minnie, but also one of my good friends from school!

Caiti and I enjoying the Florida sun!

My break was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I spent nights sitting by the fireplace with my family, my dog perched on my lap, playing intense poker tournaments.  spent days in New York City with my best friends from high school, wandering around and looking at the dazzling assortment of lights and colors. I traveled up North and down South, expanding my boundaries by not only snowboarding for the first time, but also by going on the Aerosmith Rock-and-Rollercoaster. All in all, my break was quite successful.

However successful my break proved to be, however, I was still excited to come back to UConn and see my friends, professors and coworkers once again. After a month of relaxation, I felt more than ready to get back into the swing of things, so to speak. Now that I am back to school, it feels like I never left—once again I am playing Apples to Apples in the dorm room with my hall mates. Once again I am vigorously taking notes in my classes. Once again I get to go to Tower’s pasta bar. Though break was excellent and it is important to appreciate all of the freedom it gives you, I am glad to be back at school! That’s all for now, folks!

Taylor through the 'lens'

Hi all, Jim here,

One of the things I’ve found during my time at UConn is to always take advantage of opportunities to learn more about other students.  Not only is it interesting to learn more about people and their lives, but sometimes, you’ll also find that you never knew about the activities they’re involved in, and maybe you’d be interested in getting involved in them yourself!  It’s always fun to find out what makes other people tick.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with Taylor Fitzpatrick, another LVC Colleague, all about her life.  While Taylor is now attending UConn as in-state student from Sherman, CT, she was originally born in Manhattan – probably the source of all of her BIG personality.  After moving around New York, she and her family, which includes senior LVC Colleague Allie, settled down in Sherman when she was five.  On the surface, it appears that Taylor and Allie are very similar people, because they share many other same interests, but they have each found their own way to make their UConn experience uniquely their own.

Taylor and sister Allie enjoy their trip to Israel with Birthright, something they were able to take advantage of through UConn.

Upon coming to campus, Taylor describes the experience as “a blur,” rushing a sorority, trying our for the Women’s Club Soccer Team, joining and eventually becoming Secretary of Art Club, and applying for a job at the Visitors Center.  She says (and I certainly agree) that getting involved was the best thing she could have done.  The support you get from all of the great people you meet are what makes those tough days a little bit easier, and gives you a ton of great friends to enjoy the good days!  For Taylor, this was a great experience, because, like me, she initially was reluctant to attend UConn being from in-state.  We shared the feeling that it may feel too much like high school.  However, after attending open house, she fell in love with the school, and enrolled that day.  Since then, she hasn’t looked back.

Aside from her wide range of extracurricular interests, Taylor has found a home as a Psychology major on a pre-Med track, minoring in Neuroscience.  Initially, her interest in someday attending medical school led her toward a Biology major, but after taking an introductory sequence of classes in Psychology, found that the material was much more interesting to her, and settled into her current major.  Being open minded and trying something different from the path you start out on can be very rewarding and lead you toward interests that can become true passions.

Looking forward, Taylor has a few years left of her college experience to determine exactly the career path she’d like to go on after college, but I know that her top-notch academic performance and impressive range of interests will take her anywhere she wants to go!

Taylor enjoys a UConn football game at Rentschler Field with friends!

The other day, I had the privilege of meeting up with Jim Anderson, one of my friends and colleagues for lunch at Northwest dining hall, conveniently located down the road from the Lodewick Visitors Center.

Jim is a great guy!

Jim is not only an energetic and upbeat person, but also an amazing student with many different hobbies and talents. Studying Mechanical Engineering as a member of the UConn Honors Program, he is also the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Scholarship. After graduating from the University of Connecticut at the end of the semester, he hopes to continue on to law school, where he hopes to become a patent lawyer. He decided to choose this career path after realizing that he would rather read about inventions and ideas rather than conduct research.

Jim attends class at the University of Connecticut

Although he now has a clear vision of his life goals, Jim originally considered studying the fine arts and originally wasn’t sure if he wanted to attend UConn because of its proximity to his hometown of Manchester, CT. After visiting the university, however, he sensed “good vibes” from the campus and could see himself fitting in with the campus culture during a tour of campus as a prospective student.

As an incoming freshman, Jim immediately clicked with Kyle and Craig, two other freshmen who happened to live on his floor at the time. Inseparable since their first semester, the three of them have lived together throughout their college careers and currently reside in Charter Oak Apartments where they enjoy cooking their own food.

Over the course of his years at UConn, Jim has also had the opportunity to take advantage of pursuing his interests and passions. Gifted with much musical talent, he has played both saxophone and piano. A tap dancer since the age of four, he has graced the stage in the Jorgensen Center for the Performing arts. In addition, Jim has become involved with the Daily Campus and has worked his way to becoming the newspaper’s photo editor over the past four years (an opportunity that he was able to find at the Involvement Fair held within the first few weeks of his first semester).

A man of many talents, Jim is seen here tap-dancing up a storm!

Reflecting on his time spent at the University, Jim said, “I’ve been able to do most of the things I wanted to do at UConn.” He’s taken interesting classes, had insightful and helpful professors, and even sang “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones at karaoke in the Student Union. He hopes to sleep outside Gampel Pavilion before a basketball game before graduating in May.

Jim takes photos at a UConn football game for the Daily Campus.

Now this is a story all about Anthony Fabbo whose life got twisted upside down when he became a student at the University of Connecticut. So I’ll like to take a minute and tell you how Anthony became a UConn studen.

Anthony grew up in Miller Place, NY (we’re both New Yorkers). Even though he could have easily gone to school in NY, he decided to attend UConn because he wanted a larger university with a variety of majors seeing that he was still unsure about what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. He knew about this great community feeling and the Husky pride every student possessed and he knew he wanted to bleed blue and white just like the rest of us. UConn provides great academics and has an excellent sports reputation so his decision was quite easy to make.

His first impression of UConn, like it is for many of us, was that it is a fairly large institution. He felt a little lost in everything that was going on around him, but after about a week, he started feeling that ‘homey’ atmosphere. The feelings of missing New York and  city life quickly passed. Through meeting great new people who turned into friends and keeping himself busy, Anthony became a Husky. Shippee Hall was his home freshman year. Having a roommate was something he had to adjust to since he had never had to share a room with anyone before. Like many of us, some frustration built up in having a roommate which Anthony learned to deal with in a very practical manner. Overtime, he and his roommate adjusted and lived amicably together. The most important thing was they discussed things as issues arose so things didn’t grow into something bigger.

Academically, Anthony picked his major because of his prior interest in math from high school. Debating between engineering and accounting when he first came to UConn, he entered the Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES), which works with students who do not have a major selected upon entering UConn. After he took Financial Accounting, he realized that he could see himself doing that kind of work in the future and he applied in to the School of Business and was accepted. He enjoys his business courses and learning about the business world. “When you are interested in something it makes it easier to learn”, says Anthony, “because you want to be there and you want to keep learning.”

His short term goals include finding an internship for this summer, completing the required 150 work/study hours to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), passing all the CPA exams, and eventually becoming a CPA. His long term goal for his career is to become a CEO which I am more than confident he will be.

Ben (center) with two of his apartment-mates and Fraternity brothers, Shane (Left) and Austin (Right).

іHola, amigos! It’s Becca again!

I love my job. Seriously, it’s awesome. One of the best parts of the job is all of the Colleagues at the Lodewick Visitors Center. Each one of them is so unique and extraordinary. They are such cool people and I would love to learn more about each one of them. I had the pleasure of meeting with one of my tallest co-workers, Ben Jerrild, for dinner. He was such a sweetheart and cooked me a delicious dinner of ravioli, paired with V8 Splash Tropical Punch. It was delicious!

Benny and his two brothers hail from the southwest section of Connecticut. They call Norwalk home. Some of his hometown crowning moments were playing catcher on a U15 baseball team that made it to the National Little League World Series. He also played alto saxophone in his high school marching band. They traveled and performed at various bowl games. Ben was also voted “Most Outgoing” which is a very well fitting title. He is such a friendly guy and is willing talk to anyone.

Ben is a senior Communication Disorders major who chose UConn due to its proximity to home, its affordable price and our awesome basketball program. Ben loved our Huskies even before he became one! His first impressions of UConn were how large the campus and student body were but having a roommate that he picked from home and eventually getting involved really shrunk the campus down and made it feel like home. Ben loved his first year at school but found the classes to be a lot more work that ones in high school—something that I found to be true as well!

Kappa Sigma Brothers at Huskython

The way Ben really found his place on campus was through Greek Life. He is now a proud brother of the fraternity Kappa Sigma. In the fraternity he found a group of people that he meshed well with and had fun hanging out. Many of his future roommates, he knew through Kappa Sigma. After his freshman year living in Hilltop Dorms, Ben was ‘pulled’ into Charter Oak Apartments by his fraternity brothers sophomore year and has lived there since. He loves it and has become pretty good in the kitchen.

When Ben came to UConn, he did not have a major in mind at all. He picked his major second semester sophomore year while taking the introduction to communication disorders class to fulfill a general education requirement. Ben ended up falling in love with the subject and the possible career options. His favorite class Language Pathologies in Children was taught by his favorite professor Vanessa Harwood. He loves the class because it related so clearly to what he wants to do with his life. Ben loves children and currently babysits for a family nearby to campus. In high school, Ben was a camp counselor and also babysat for many families. The kids that he has been taking care of since sophomore year love him and are so sad that this is his last semester.

Ben really has a way with kids and I’m sure he’ll find great success in his field. Ben said, “I want a job immediately after college—one waiting for me that I can jump into right after I graduate”. His ultimate goal is to obtain a master’s degree in the study of communication disorders/speech therapy and work at a school for children with special needs.

A few fast fun facts about Benny:    Favorite Cereal: Oreo Os and Lucky Charms

Favorite Color: Blue

Perfect Ice Cream Sundae: vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped

cream, nuts, bananas and NO CHERRIES (Ben hates cherry

flavored things)

In Three Words: Outgoing, Lazy and Patient

End of Semester Goals: solve a Rubik’s cube,

get six pack (abs)

Ben Jerrild is a really incredible guy, who is going to lead an extraordinary life. I am so glad that I can be a small part of it. All of his students will be incredibly lucky to have him. Oh yeah, he makes some mean ravioli too

My delicious dinner, thanks to Ben!

Ben (center) with two of his apartment-mates Shane (Left) and Austin (Right)

іHola, amigos! It’s Becca again!

I love my job. Seriously, it’s awesome. One of the best parts of the job is all of the student staff – we are known as Colleagues – at the Visitors Center. Each one of them is so unique and extraordinary. They are such cool people and I would love to learn more about each one of them. I had the pleasure of meeting with one of my tallest co-workers, Ben Jerrild, for dinner. He was such a sweetheart and cooked me a delicious dinner of ravioli, paired with V8 Splash Tropical Punch. It was delicious!

Benny and his two brothers hail from the southwest section of Connecticut. They call Norwalk home. Some of his hometown crowning moments were playing catcher on a U15 baseball team that made it to the National Little League World Series. He also played alto saxophone in his high school marching band. They traveled and performed at various bowl games. Ben was also voted “Most Outgoing” which is a very well fitting title. He is such a friendly guy and would willing talk to anyone.

Ben is a senior Communication Disorders major who chose UConn due to its proximity to home, its affordable price and our awesome basketball program. Ben loved our Huskies even before he became one! His first impressions of UConn were how large the campus and student body were but having a roommate that he picked from home and eventually getting involved really shrunk the campus down and made it feel like home. Ben loved his first year at school but found the classes to be a lot more work that ones in high school—something that I found to be true as well!

Kappa Sigma Brothers at Huskython

The way Ben really found his place on campus was through Greek Life. He is now a proud brother of the fraternity Kappa Sigma. In the fraternity he found a group of people that he meshed well with and had fun with. Many of his future roommates, he knew through Kappa Sigma. After his freshman year living in Hilltop Dorms, Ben got pulled into Charter Oak Apartments by his fraternity brothers sophomore year and has lived there since. He loves it and has gotten pretty good in the kitchen.

When Ben came to UConn, he did not have a major in mind at all. He picked his major second semester sophomore year while taking the introduction to communication disorders class to fulfill a general education requirement. Ben ended up falling in love with the subject and the possible career options. His favorite class Language Pathologies in Children was taught by hi favorite professor Vanessa Harwood. He loves the class because it related so clearly to what he wants to do with his life. Ben loves children and currently babysits on campus. In high school, Ben was a camp counselor and also babysat for many families. The kids that he has been taking care of since sophomore year love him and are so sad that this is his last semester. Ben really has a way with kids and I’m sure he’ll find great success in his field. Ben said that he “wants a job immediately after college—one waiting for me that I can jump into right after I graduate” and his ultimate goal is to obtain a masters degree in the study of communication disorders and work at a school for children with special needs.

A few fast fun facts about Benny:    Favorite Cereal: Oreo Os and Lucky Charms

Favorite Color: Blue

Perfect Ice Cream Sundae: vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, whipped

cream, nuts, bananas and NO CHERRIES (Ben hates cherry

flavored things)

In Three Words: Outgoing, Lazy and Patient

End of Semester Goals: solve a rubiks cube,

get a six pack

Ben Jerrild is a really incredible guy, who is going to lead an extraordinary life. I am so glad that I can be a small part of it. All of his students will be incredibly lucky to have him. Oh yeah, he makes some mean ravioli too

The Lodewick Visitors Center Colleagues participated in Spring Training on January 16, 2012. Although the day was chilly outside -  inside the LVC was warm and welcoming as the greatest student crew at UConn focused on goals for the spring semester. Our activities centered on how to tell a story that engages the audience thru memorable or instructive facets of the story. The Colleagues know their facts – now they need to share their passion in a way that leaves guests with a positive impression of UConn.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The beginning of a new year or semester holds such promise. Yet too often the resolutions or goals we set are forgotten because we let so much clutter into our lives. It is laudable to want to improve yourself (lose weight, save money, get all As…) but we shouldn’t start with the idea that we are lacking and thus need to be made better. Instead we should focus on how we can contribute to make the world better – and in turn – we may also grow from the experience. So this year/semester I have the following objectives:

1. Stop swearing. A truly bad habit that adds negative energy and is unnecessary.

2. Volunteer more. Find one or two events where I can help an organization.

3. Find more ways to praise others. Encouragement is powerful  – Gratitude even more so and should be freely given.

That’s it. Three specific things anyone can do. I am determined to achieve them, and more importantly, to make them a part of who I am. What will you contribute to make the world a little better? It might not change the world – just your little corner of it.

I’m here to tell you about the greatest thing that has ever been narrated by Morgan Freeman. The feature in question is “Born to be Wild,” a 40-minute flick highlighting both the plight and joy of orphaned elephants and orangutans.

The Imax film transports the audience to the lush forests of Borneo where primatologist Dr.Birute Galdikas heads Camp Leakey, a refuge for orphaned orangutans.

Morgan Freeman’s wise and tempered voice rings out like a call to mankind, his halcyon vocals accompanying the baby orangutans through orphanage and adulthood. It was inspiring to see and hear their story (as spoken by Morgan Freeman!); these orangutans are rescued anywhere from a few months to a few years old. The Camp Leakey counselors provide around the clock care ensuring that the babies receive the same amount of attention in semi-captivity as they would with their real mothers in the wild. The children would go around jungle gym-esque structures in order to develop the skills they would need for survival later. After about twenty heart wrenching minutes of bonding between humans and their adopted orangutan babies, the film switched focus to some of the most awesome elephants I’ve ever seen in my life. These elephants would play soccer and sleep in the same rooms as their caretakers until the time came for them to return to the savannahs of Kenya. It was phenomenal because the elephants that had previously “graduated” from the rehabilitation facility would ALWAYS meet the group of newly independent elephants each year.

This feel good flick comes highly recommended by friends and I. We love orangutans, we love elephants, and we LOVE Morgan Freeman. What else could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon?!