IMJR: Family Health

Current Pursuit: Middle School Math & Science Teacher

Why Individualized? I was a student who felt very lost at UConn. I had very little understanding of what I wanted to do in life - except I knew I loved working with kids. Initially, I felt like my calling was to be a pediatric dentist. My individualized major allowed me to differentiate myself from others applying to dental schools by combining traditional sciences with the social sciences which were starting to appear in the DAT exam. The flexibility and the personalization afforded to me by the Individualized program allowed me to discover my interest rested more heavily in the social and interpersonal sciences than in the traditional sciences. This helped me land in my current career of teaching (where I ironically teach traditional science, but rely on my understanding of social sciences to make an impact).

Most memorable course or project from your major? I was able to complete an Educational Psychology class which I found captivating. This morphed into an independent study the following semester - observing differentiated instruction in a local middle school (where I now teach!). It wasn’t long after this independent study that I withdrew from dental school interviews and enrolled in teacher certification.

IMJR life impact? My individualized major has been a positive talking point in every single job or educational interview I’ve had. As a teacher, I try to offer student autonomy and choice in their own learning whenever possible.