Orientation

Alexandra Dima

Hometown: Trumbull, CT

Major: Audio and Music Production

Resident

Campus Involvement: Play It By Ear a capella, Audio and Music Production Club

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because of the amazing academic program, great community, talented professors.

Words of Wisdom: Work hard, stay focused and the fun times will find you.

Ali Brochu

Hometown: Winsted, CT

Major: Health Promotion and Exercise

Resident

Campus Involvement: Volleyball, REC Department, Rec Council, SAAC, Men’s Basketball Intern

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because it’s close, yet far enough from home so my parents could still come watch me play volleyball!

Words of Wisdom: Manage your time wisely, but have fun and create new experiences.

Caitlyn Barry

Hometown: Wolcott, CT

Major: Double Major in Political Science and Psychology

Commuter

Campus Involvement: National Panhellenic Council for Sororities, Sigma Delta Tau, Program Activities Council, WXCI Danbury Radio

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU and continue to choose WCSU because I have continually been given opportunities to succeed and thrive!

Words of Wisdom: Don’t worry, you’ll find your place here, and if you can’t, then make one!

Daniela Romero

Hometown: Peekskill, NY

Major: Biology-Secondary Education

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Biology Club and Computer Center Assistant at IT&I

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because I wanted to be in a school that offered great academic programs as well as the opportunity to be involved in different clubs and organizations. WCSU is a place with a diverse student body where you feel welcome and can be yourself; everyone is willing to help you, and the best part is that it’s affordable.

Words of Wisdom:Time goes by faster than you think and you can’t go back and fix mistakes. All you can do is move forward, and if it takes more than four years it’s okay. Enjoy your time, college is about having fun and experiencing new things, but most importantly it’s to learn and leave being a more knowledgeable person that contributes to society. Last thing, ALWAYS BE YOURSELF ☺!!

Eric Gottier

Hometown: Tolland, CT

Major: Meteorology

Resident

Campus Involvement: Office Assistant for the Center for Student Involvement, Treasurer for the Torch student magazine, and Tutor at the Tutoring Resource Center

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because here I can study the weather, and not many schools offer this major!

Words of Wisdom: Opportunity is at every office, in every building, and through every professor. Take the first step by asking questions! Ask for opportunities, jobs, club positions, etc.

Gina Poulin

Hometown: Prospect, CT

Major: Secondary Education, English

Resident

Campus Involvement: Cross Country, IRHA general council member, President of Herpetology Club, President/Founder of Running Club, Notetaker for AAS, Pinney Hall PASS member

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU I chose WestConn because it reminded me a lot of my small, private high school. With small classes, it is easier to get to know your professors and vice versa. There is a sense of familiarity and friendliness on campus because of the camaraderie, which really makes WestConn feel like a true second home. I also love all of the opportunities WestConn has to offer; I feel like a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big ocean.

Words of Wisdom: Take classes that you are interested in especially if your major is undecided. Get involved as soon as possible, but prioritize and balance your responsibilities and personal life. Most importantly, make the most of your college experience, this is your home for the next four years and it goes by SO fast.  

“Twenty years from now [or four years from now when you graduate] you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

Jala Cooke

Hometown: Canaan, CT

Major: Psychology

Resident

Campus Involvement: Program Activities Council

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU initially to stay closer to home which is the reason for many. But once I started here, I had no regrets with my decision. I have met so many incredible people and made so many great connections. I truly have no doubt that this is my place.

Words of Wisdom: Don’t pass up opportunities. There are so many ways to get involved on campus and it really makes your college experience what it is meant to be. Everyone is going to tell you this but that’s just because it’s what we have learned from experience and it’s wildly accurate.

James Cantafio

Hometown: Hamden, CT

Major: Meteorology

Resident

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because it is the only university in the state of Connecticut that offers an undergraduate meteorology program, it has small campus and class sizes, it is highly affordable, and its Honors program is highly supportive of its students, offering a wide variety of academic and community service opportunities.

Words of Wisdom: Spend your first year exploring what the university has to offer! Whether you’re considering taking on minors, attending club meetings, running for an officer and/or executive board position, seeking volunteer hours and/or employment, or even starting a campus-wide initiative, the hardest step is overcoming your fear of trying. Some things may not stick–in fact, most may not! However, it’s the few things that you narrow your focus on, the things that you are most passionate about, that will shape your experiences at this university and beyond.

Jeff Moffat

Hometown: Beacon Falls, CT

Major: Human Resource Management

Resident, commuting for his last semester

Campus Involvement: Sigma Chi Fraternity, Program Activities Council, National Society for Leadership and Success, Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because it was affordable and far enough away from my home so I was able to become more independent, but knew I had my family close enough if I needed them

Words of Wisdom: Find something that you love doing on campus that will keep you here, whether that be clubs, sports, or just hanging out with the friends you have made during your time. College is what you make of it so make sure to make the most of your time here!

Johanna Augustin

Hometown: Norwalk, CT

Major: Secondary Education: English

Resident

Campus Involvement: African Caribbean Student Association, Inter Residence Hall Association, Education Club; Resident Assistant for Housing and Residence Life, Computer Center Assistant for It&I, Substitute Teacher for WCSU Early Learning Center

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because it has an amazing education program, the size of the school, and how affordable it is!

Words of Wisdom: It’s okay if you don’t have it all together right now, trust the process and never give up! Also, take advantage of all the things Western has to offer. You will thank me later!

Jonathan Mowatt

Hometown: Waterbury, CT

Major: Health Promotion & Exercise Science: Allied Health

Resident

Campus Involvement: Men’s Basketball Team, Student Advisory Athletic Council

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because it was close to home, the environment is great and there’s so many ways you can get help with your school work

Words of Wisdom: Enjoy the moment, the years go by very fast. Get involved as much as you can, do as much activities as you can and make it special

Kaylee Serra

Hometown: Shelton, CT

Major: English

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Resident Assistant in Pinney Hall, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because of its affordability and the many amazing opportunities it offers

Words of Wisdom: Come in with an open mind. College comes with many changes in your life so be prepared to take them on. Don’t be afraid to try new things or step out of your comfort zone. Get involved and be yourself!

Kelly Pulla

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Major: Social Work

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Student Employee in the InterCultural Affairs office

School Year: Sophomore

#ichoseWCSU because it was affordable, and located in my hometown. It allowed me to stay at home with my family, and also make new friends.

Words of Wisdom: Learn to manage your time wisely, Make new friends, be social, and get involved!

Lycia Lopez-Torres

Hometown: New Milford, CT

Major: Psychology

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Program Activities Council, sister and social chair of Sigma Delta Tau, Vice President of Administration Panhellenic Officer of NPC, Student Ambassador of Admissions

School Year: Junior

#ichoseWCSU because I wanted to be close to home but far away enough to have that college life. I found that coming to WCSU and I found myself growing as a person here

Words of Wisdom: Put yourself out there!! Do things you never thought you would do! Make new friends, join a club you never heard of, go to events, take classes you’ve never heard of but most importantly find yourself!!

Mariana Martins

Hometown: New Fairfield, CT

Major: Social Work

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Newman Club, Social Work Club, Program Activities Council, Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Mentor for Western Connection Program

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because WCSU was more affordable and it felt like home to me.

Words of Wisdom: Take advantage of the little things that make Western great. Attend a PAC event, eat dinner every other Wednesday at the Newman center for free, get help at the writing center, etc. Western has so much to offer. Get involved, work hard and be your truest self.

Megan Waldrop

Hometown: Berlin, CT

Major: Psychology

Resident

Campus Involvement: President of the Program Activities Council, President of Sigma Delta Tau, VP of Recruitment and Marketing for the WCSU Panhellenic Conference, Student Ambassador, and Orientation Leader!!

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU for its amazing honors program, which has and will open many doors for me throughout and beyond my college career. I also chose WCSU because of its affordability!

Words of Wisdom: College is what you make of it! You get out what you put in!

Nicole McIntosh

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Major: Elementary Education

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Frequent attendee of the many events that WCSU offers

School Year: Sophomore

#ichoseWCSU because of the great sense of community in being a colonial, how close it is to home, and the education program being one of the best in the state.

Words of Wisdom: Be true to yourself, look for friends that share similar values, don’t be afraid to take risks, always challenge yourself, and make sure to get involved! Go Big Blue!

Paul Horkan

Hometown: New Fairfield, CT

Major: Political Science

Commuter

Campus Involvement: President of the Student Government Association

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU as a last resort, if I’m being totally honest, and what a pleasant and unexpected surprise it was. The decision to come to Western was one of the best I could have made for myself. I’ve learned more than I ever imagined I would and met friends that will be in my life forever.

Words of Wisdom: Get as involved as you can on campus, it’s an awesome way to meet new people and make friends. If you’re unsure about your major, take a variety of classes and you’ll find what you love – that’s what I did!

Sarahdyne Moise

Hometown: West Hartford, CT

Major: Justice and Law Administration

Resident

Campus Involvement: Desk Worker, Resident Assistant, African Caribbean Student Association,

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because I was drawn to the small community and the different activities and clubs they have.

Words of Wisdom: It’s okay to be lost, college is about finding your way.

Shaedshat Miranda

Hometown: Windsor, CT

Major: Music

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Play It By Ear a capella, Powerlifting

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU  I chose WCSU because it was affordable and has a very good music and theater program.

Words of Wisdom: Don’t be afraid to experience new things, to learn to things, to become a new person. This is where you find yourself and your people. Live in every moment as much as you can.

Sophie Ritchie

Hometown: Danbury, CT

Major: Theater Performance

Resident

Campus Involvement: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority

School Year: Sophomore

#ichoseWCSU because it was close to home and all the people important in my life. The theater program is great here and I could not see myself studying theater anywhere else.

Words of Wisdom: Get involved as much as possible. There are so many clubs and organizations around campus to be apart of and there is always something for someone.

Sumiah Gay

Hometown: New Haven, CT

Major: Theatre Performance

Resident

Campus Involvement: Desk Worker, Frequent event goer

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because it as affordable and close to home.

Words of Wisdom: Making new friends is easier than you think. No one knows who you are here yet, so you can be whoever you want to be!

Tyrone McBurnie

Hometown: Trumbull, CT

Major: Justice and Law Administration

Resident

Campus Involvement: Work at the Westconn Colonial Fitness Zone as a gym attendant, and in The Computer Labs as a Computer Center Assistant.

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU because of the wide variety of programs available, because heading in I honestly did not know what I wanted to do, but along the lines I found my way.

Words of Wisdom: Get involved early, getting involved in different clubs and organizations will not only help you build friendships but will also allow you to grow as a person and make different connections that could have an impact later in life

Victoria Tralli

Hometown: Bethel, CT

Major: Health Promotion & Exercise  

Commuter

Campus Involvement: Cheerleading

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU not only because it was close to home, it had everything I could ever ask for including countless organizations, opportunities, and a welcoming environment.

Words of Wisdom: I cannot stress this enough… GET INVOLVED! TAKE RISKS! College is all about new experiences, take them! Make the most out of your time here at WCSU, I promise you will not regret it!

Zoë Drew

Hometown:Norwich, CT

Major: Nursing

Resident

Campus Involvement: Delta Gamma Phi sorority, IT&I Computer Center Assistant, Student Government Association

School Year: Senior

#ichoseWCSU as one of my last options. I looked around at schools in the south but when it came down to finances, Westconn was the best option to leave school with the least debt possible while still having the college experience I wanted. I knew within the first week of being here that this is where I was meant to be and I am so glad I chose WCSU!

Words of Wisdom: If something challenges your comfort zone: do it. College is all about challenging what you know and trying new things. Talk to that new person, join that club, and try that class. You never know where it will lead