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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.