Meet Neel Reddy, a senior from Acton, Massachusetts! Neel is a Physiology and Neurobiology major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Neel is also a member of the UConn Honors Program and has been very involved with student efforts in that program. Read about that experience and more below!
What are your post graduation plans?: The day after graduation, I am leaving for Europe to travel with some friends for a few weeks. When I get back, I will be moving to Dallas, Texas to teach high school science through Teach for America for at least two years. I do eventually want to go to medical school, but I’m not a huge fan of long-term commitments so I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.
What is your favorite UConn memory?: My favorite UConn memory is probably the entire Final Four weekend last year. I had an amazing time watching the games with my friends in Gampel Pavilion. I will always remember walking into Gampel for the final. That was probably the most energizing atmosphere I ever experienced.
Why did you become a Husky?: UConn was not actually my top college choice in high school, but it was a good choice financially due to the New England Regional Student Program. I didn’t get into my top college choices, so UConn became a very appealing option. I decided to visit and I loved the campus and the students I spoke with. Taking into account the cost, scholarship, my visit, and my admittance into the Honors Program, I decided to become a Husky and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.
What is your favorite place on campus?: I lived in Buckley freshman year and I always loved the close proximity to Mirror Lake. That area is the most beautiful part of campus in my opinion. Mirror Lake is a great place to lie down and relax on a sunny spring day in Storrs.
What have you been involved in at UConn?: I have been a member of the Honors Across State Borders group since sophomore year and have gone on its alternative break trips to Mobile, AL, Beard’s Fork, WV, and most recently New Orleans, LA. I have also been a member of the SUBOG Concert Committee helping out with the different concerts held throughout the year. Academically, I have done research in Dr. Diane Burgess’s lab in the School of Pharmacy for the past two years and I am writing my thesis about that work. Finally, I made sure I danced at HuskyTHON for my final year here at UConn.
What will you miss the most about UConn?: I will miss my support system at UConn that consists of my friends, faculty, and staff. It has been so easy to see these people the past four years, but that will all change next year. However, I know the relationships I have built during my time here will last a long time.
What was your biggest accomplishment while at UConn?: My biggest accomplishment at UConn was my work as Co-Director and COO of the Honors Across State Borders (HASB) group as a senior. Throughout the year, I planned our alternative spring break of 55 students to New Orleans along with the other Co-Director, Chase Adams. The trip took a great deal of planning and it was certainly stressful at times, but it was so rewarding. HASB’s alternative breaks have been some of the most important experiences in my life and it felt amazing to be the one responsible for providing that experience for all the other students on the trip.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?: As underclassmen you should make sure your involvement at UConn goes beyond academics. There is so much to get involved with here at UConn and I think that everyone can find at least one thing that they are passionate about. You never know how some experience will change you. My involvement in HASB led me to join Teach for America. Go into things with an open mind and you will make the most of your experience here.
What is one little known fact about you?: I recently acquired the nickname Meerkat because I apparently look like one (think Timon from The Lion King). I don’t really see the resemblance, but you can make that call for yourself. Also, my laugh makes people laugh.
Anything else?: Go Huskies!!!