The College Tour
See What It’s Like to Attend CT State Community College!
CT State was featured on The College Tour, an award-winning TV series that shares the real stories of students from colleges across the country. In this episode, 17 inspiring CT State students bring the college’s 12 campuses to life—sharing personal experiences, academic journeys and what makes CT State special.
The episode offers an authentic, student-led look at the energy, diversity and opportunity that define CT State. It highlights academic programs, student life and the distinct strengths of Connecticut’s statewide community college system.
Watch to experience CT State through the voices of the students who know it best.
Meet Our Students
Don’t miss CT State’s episode of The College Tour—a powerful, student-led look at life, learning and opportunity across all 12 campuses.
Asnuntuck
Katelynn Case
Campus: CT State Asnuntuck
Major: Theater Studies
Hometown: Colebrook
Katelynn talks about the college's vibrant community, the support she received from the Financial Aid office and resources like the Tutoring Center, which have contributed to her academic success.
Capital
Collins Mensah
Campus: CT State Capital
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Manchester
Collins stresses the importance of the college's supportive environment for students with learning disabilities. He also talks about Capital's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated faculty, along with the benefits of small class sizes
Gateway
Danilzon (Dani) Andres-Pedro
Campus: CT State Gateway
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Stratford, CT
Dani, a first-generation student, discusses the college's affordable tuition and other support, such as its partnership with CTrides for free transportation. With resources such as the Career Services office, he secured an internship at Yale, gaining valuable experience and skills.
Housatonic
Kya Hunter
Campus: CT State Housatonic
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: Derby
Kya found her passion for helping youth during the pandemic, which inspired her to actively engage in community service and to pursue case management as a career field. Kya also runs a small business and, with help from the college's Werth Center, she receives mentorship and funding to enhance her entrepreneurial skills.
Manchester
Jessica Pratt
Campus: CT State Manchester
Major: Respiratory Care
Hometown: Uncasville
Jessica, a working mother, was inspired to pursue the medical field as a result of her father's illness. She explains how the Respiratory Care program partners with Hartford Hospital and the hands-on experience opportunities through the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation.
Middlesex
Quanice Casablanca
Campus: CT State Middlesex
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: Middletown
Quanice relates how she shifted her focus from law to human services. She found a welcoming community at Middlesex that supports her education, her journey as a mother and student and her social life.
Naugatuck Valley
Jenna Garraffo
Campus: CT State Naugatuck Valley
Major: Musical Theater
Hometown: Watertown
Jenna shares her passion for theater and highlights her growth through productions like Macbeth and Alice by Heart in the campus’s two theaters. Jenna also shared how she participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and her intent to pursue a BFA at a four-year university.
Northwestern
Brianna Packer-McCarthy
Campus: CT State Northwestern
Major: Business Studies
Hometown: Weatogue
Brianna, a native Deaf student, shares how she has benefited from campus resources like the disability and accessibility services, while enjoying a supportive faculty and engaging campus events.
Norwalk
Emma Cruzado
Campus: CT State Norwalk
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Stamford
Emma talks about overcoming challenges like immigration, anxiety, young motherhood and how, with support from the college, including financial aid, she gained essential language skills and resources to pursue her nursing dream.
Quinebaug Valley
Michelle Crousey
Campus: CT State Quinebaug Valley
Major: Medical Laboratory Technician
Hometown: Danielson
Michelle, a non-traditional student, shares her journey of overcoming breast cancer and prioritizing her education at Quinebaug Valley, where she finds support from advisors and tutoring.
Three Rivers
Alyssa Wierzbicki
Campus: CT State Three Rivers
Major: Social Work Studies
Hometown: San Jacinto, CA
Alyssa, a Navy veteran, describes the supportive community and resources at the college, which helped her adjust during her educational journey. She also talks about her involvement in student government and helping other veteran students along the way.
Tunxis
Alexander Cruz Lopez
Campus: CT State Tunxis
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Plainville
Alexander, a first-generation student, benefited from the college's wellness services and student organizations, felt welcomed by a supportive and inclusive community and enjoyed the college's many other resources and supports.
Finding Your Fit at CT State
Maritza Sanchez
Campus: CT State Gateway
Major: Chemistry Studies
Hometown: New Haven
Maritza, a first-generation and low-income student, talks about transferring to the college and finding her fit successfully, working as a pharmacy technician, securing a three-month internship in France, founding the Gateway Math Club, conducting research and more.
Engineering and Manufacturing Spotlight
Alexander Litvak
Campus: CT State Asnuntuck
Major: Robotics and Mechatronics Technician
Hometown: Suffield
Alexander highlights the college's engineering and manufacturing strengths and shares his passion for robotics, fueled by engaging classes and supportive professors.
Phi Theta Kappa at CT State
Dakota Lawson
Campus: Northwestern
Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Hometown: Torrington
Dakota overcame his initial academic struggles through hard work and community involvement. He joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, becoming its Vice President of Service.
Learn more about CT State
Wrap-Around Services
Dakota Lawson
Dean of Students and Faculty
Dean St. James describes the college's focus on supporting students through various initiatives that tackle barriers such as cost, transportation and mental health. The free college program provides financial aid for eligible residents, and OneStop Enrollment Services simplify applications. Additional services like tutoring and disability assistance ensure students succeed academically and in their communities.
Dual Enrollment
Karen Hynick
Acting Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Workforce Innovation
Provost Hynick details the college's extensive dual enrollment programs, which allow high schoolers to take college classes and experience college life. Alex also meets with dual-enrolled student Ashmeet, who shares her positive experience, noting the advantages of college resources and credits.
Alumnus Experience
Jacob Murphy ’20
Campus: CT State Middlesex
Major: Engineering Science
Hometown: Manchester
Jacob relates the transformative power of education and how he has advanced to working on advanced engineering projects. He credits CT State for the many supports, resources and opportunities provided along the way.