We asked the campus community to nominate seniors who are deserving of recognition, so we can showcase how much the Class of 2020 means to UConn. We’ll be posting interviews with selected seniors as our Senior Spotlight series. Enjoy.
Meet Melissa Alvarado!
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When are you graduating?
May 2020
What are you studying?
Allied Health, Health Sciences
Hometown?
Westport, CT
What on-campus activities/organizations are you involved in?
Hearts Over Latin America, YoungLife, Pre-med Society
What has your day-to-day been like since virtual classes and social distancing were introduced?
Honestly, this quarantine has messed up my sleeping schedule. On most days, I do not wake up until 10 a.m. Saying that my days are usually the same, they consist of studying for the MCAT then taking a break, eating some food, and doing a home workout followed by reviewing notes for my classes. Luckily I do not have any live lectures so I go over the material at my own pace and time as the week goes on. Like most people, I also have been watching Netflix (Money Heist) although I do limit how many episodes I watch in order to be more productive throughout the day. Lastly, I have gotten into the habit of reading every other day a self help book as well as a fun read.
Are there any campus traditions you missed, and any that you might want to take part in as an alum?
Sadly, I have never gone to a basketball game throughout my college years. That is definitely something I am looking forward to as an alum.
If everything could go back to normal for one hour today, what would you use that time for?
I would go to the diner with a couple of friends and just enjoy each other’s company while eating some waffles.
What are your plans for after graduation?
My plan right after graduation is to do an EMT course in the summer and volunteer during the year, as well as do my best to save money in order to be prepared once I begin my application process for medical school.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
God willing, in five years I will have graduated from Medical School and will have moved onto residency.
If you could thank one person for their help throughout your time at UConn, who would it be and what would you say?
I would definitely say my YoungLife leader Rob Johnson. I was lucky enough to have met him my freshman year, and I really look up to him because he taught me so much about the unconditional love of Jesus and has helped me through difficult times.
What’s a piece of advice you’d like to share with the Class of 2024?
My piece of advice would be to not let yourself blend in with everyone else, do things that will make you happy, and surround yourself with people that bring the best out of you.
Anything else we should know about you? Fun facts, hidden talents, favorite memories, advice, etc.?
Right now, most of us want life to go back to normal (trust me, I want to be able to step in a gym again), but now there is no excuse for us to say we do not have time for something. We are given more time to spend with our families as well as a more time for self reflection and growth. Stay safe everyone <3