Say hello to Giovanna “Gio” Coppola, a senior from Clark, New Jersey! Clark is located in Central Jersey which Gio has a lot of pride for. She is also a Human Development and Family Studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. To learn more about Gio, read below!
What are your post graduation plans?: I am excited to say that I will attend Monmouth University for graduate school to earn my Master’s degree in social work. My career goals include becoming a therapist for families who have a chronically ill family member, and to increase overall family resiliency and functioning.
What is your favorite UConn memory?: Last year, winning the men and women’s national championship! After the game ended (it was shown at gampel) and running into the center of campus with my best friends and just about everyone else at UConn! It was such an incredible rush, and it felt amazing to be a part of something so powerful.
Why did you become a Husky?: I became a Husky because UConn offered me diverse classes, opportunities for scholarship, work, and it was far enough (but not too far) away home. I was drawn to the pride UConn students had, and wanted to become a part of it myself! It was always my number one choice.
What is your favorite place on campus?: My favorite place on campus is always walking along the path that is next to Mirror Lake. Especially when it’s nice out, walking along that path to campus reminds me of how much I love this place.
What have you been involved in at UConn?: I am a Student Employee at the Center for Students with Disabilities, and have worked there for the last two years to provide accommodations to students with disabilities. Last year, I was the Program Director of Give-N-Go charity foundation, through Community Outreach, that collected gently used items from students during move-out week and donated the furniture to charities and shelters. I am also a founding member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority.
What will you miss the most about UConn?: I will miss my FRIENDS! Being out of state, most of the people I met are from Connecticut, and moving back to Jersey will mean spending less time with them. I’m so grateful that I’ve met people who will be with me through all of the walks of life. Also, I will miss the independence of having my own apartment (re: moving back in with my parents throughout grad school).
What was your biggest accomplishment while at UConn?: Some of my proudest accomplishments include making the Dean’s List every semester for the last 2 years and receiving several competitive scholarships for my grades, involvement, and potential for future success.
What advice do you have for underclassmen?: I would advise all underclassmen not to rush their time here!! Graduation comes WAYYY too quickly, so enjoy every opportunity that comes forth. Also, TAKE every opportunity that is presented to you. Try the less popular party, join a funny club, and go sledding on horse barn hill! Once senior year rolls around, you’ll make a bucket list that is pages long! And it’s easier to start early!
What is one little known fact about you?: I love to box, and have always wanted to become a professional boxer!
Anything else?: Thank you to my wonderful, encouraging, and supportive supervisor, Jennifer Lucia for nominating me for the Senior Spotlight! You have been such an incredible person to know, and I’m so grateful I’ve been given the chance to work with you (and everyone else amazing at CSD) for the last two years. I wish I could stay!!