Katelynn Case

Campus: CT State Asnuntuck
Major: Theater Studies
Hometown: Colebrook

Theater Studies major Katelynn, a student at CT State Asnuntuck, talks about the college's vibrant community and 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

Business Studies major Collins, a student at CT State Capital, 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

Business Studies major Dani, a first-generation student at CT State Gateway, talks about 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

Social Work Studies major Kya, a student at CT State Housatonic, 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

Respiratory Care major Jessica, a working mother and student at CT State Manchester, 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

Social Work Studies major Quanice, a student at CT State Middlesex, relates how she shifted her focus from law to human services, and about finding a welcoming community at Middlesex that supports her education and social life.

Jenna Garraffo

Campus: CT State Naugatuck Valley
Major: Musical Theater
Hometown: Watertown

Musical Theater major Jenna, a CT State Naugatuck Valley student, shares her passion for theater and highlights her growth through productions like "Macbeth" and "Alice by Heart" in the campus’ two theaters. Jenna also talks about participating 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

Interpreter Training major Brianna, a native Deaf student at CT State Northwestern, 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

Nursing major Emma, a student at CT State Norwalk, 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

Medical Laboratory Technician major Michelle, a non-traditional student, at CT State Quinebaug Valley, 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

Social Work Studies major Alyssa, a Navy veteran and student at CT State Three Rivers, 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

Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Plainville

Communication Studies major Alexander, a first-generation student at CT State Tunxis, 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

Chemistry Studies major Maritza, a first-generation and low-income student at CT State Gateway, 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

Robotics and Mechatronics Technician major Alexander, a student at CT State Asnuntuck, highlights the college's engineering and manufacturing strengths and shares his passion for robotics, fueled by engaging classes and supportive professors.

Dean Tim St. James
Dean of Students and Faulty

CT State Asnuntuck's Dean of Students and Faculty, Timothy 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.

Karen Hynick
Acting Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Workforce Innovation

CT State Provost Karen 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.

Jacob Murphy ’20

Campus: CT State Middlesex
Major: Engineering Science
Hometown: Manchester

CT State alumnus Jacob, a graduate of Engineering Science at CT State Middlesex, 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.

Dakota Lawson

Campus: Northwestern
Major: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Hometown: Torrington

Liberal Arts and Sciences major Dakota, a student at CT State Northwestern, 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.