Officially Have No Reason To Be In Storrs

I officially have no reason to be in Storrs, Connecticut anymore. 

Well sort of.  I have to go visit one day to get commuter food swipes exchanged for money, but basically I have no reason to be in Storrs, unless it's to watch an athletic event, or my favorite team.

Today was graduation.  It was different than undergraduate for me.  This was more real, and in a weird way less emotional.  I think this time around I knew I was done in May of 2012.  I haven't really considered staying in Storrs, unless to be paid to work of course.  Over the past few years some of the people I knew best in college left.   I knew less and less people as time went on and felt older and older.  I felt like it was time to move on. 

When I was an undergrad, I just wanted things to continue the way they were forever. 

I have nothing but fond memories of the last six years (That includes Two Degrees, no Van Wilder stuff here).  What I will remember most, and have the best memories of are my times with soccer.  If you ask me about college that is what I will talk about.  I'd follow that up with my time in athletics in general.  Part of that means the people I knew from athletics and soccer and the memories that are associated with them. 

I leave UCONN knowing that I am more confident in myself.  I know what dreams I want to achieve.  I know I learned a lot in my six years, both in the classroom and outside of it.  I met lots of fascinating and wonderful people.  I know I got to experience things that I only dreamed I would be able too.  In some ways UCONN was a dream come true, and it is a place that I will forever care for.  It has given a lot to me. 

It's funny, growing up in Connecticut, especially Fairfield County, there was no big push to go to UCONN.  The popular thing to say was that you were going to some private school.  I always liked UCONN, but it wasn't an instant, love at first site kind of thing.

I knew I liked Storrs from the moment I got off of the interstate.  My first reaction was, wow, this one lane road (195) reminds me a lot of New Hampshire.  That's was a good start in my book.

Still though, I sort of felt that I should go somewhere else while looking at colleges.  Back in high school it wasn't cool to say you were going to UCONN.  Everyone was, you weren't special for going. 

UCONN grew on me, and grew on me quickly and for the last couple of years I've really considered it to be my home.  I feel blessed to have called it home.

All of the people in Athletics have meant a lot to me, especially people involved in the soccer program, and especially the players and coaches.

Other people I can't thank enough is my adviser Dr. Fink.  She has been a great resource and help to me.  She's also been wonderful to talk too.  Dr. Burton and Dr. Bruening also deserve a shout out for their help.

My FYE teacher, Ms. Douglas also meant a lot to me.  My first semester wasn't all that swift.  She helped me with that.  She also helped me immensely in my major change and was always there to help me out.

My Allergist also helped me.  She was someone who I could talk too.  She gave me advice and helped me out. 

My cousin Chip and sister have been in Storrs for a lot of my time.  Chip at the beginning and sister lately and it was also good to have family around.