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 Anna Tobiasz!
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When are you graduating?
May 2020
What are you studying?
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown?
Suffield, CT
What on-campus activities/organizations are you involved in?
Engineering Ambassadors, Pre-Engineering Program, Learning Community Executive Council, BRIDGE Program, Multiply Your Options Conference, Cross-Cultural Center, Gymnastics Club, Husky Haulers, and a whole lot more 🙂
What is your favorite “hidden” spot on campus?
My favorite “hidden” spot on campus has to be the roof of the Cogeneration Power Plant on campus. As a tour guide, I’ve had permission to overlook the $80,000,000 view for the last four years, and it always leaves me speechless. 10/10 would recommend getting a tour of COGEN one day.
What has your day-to-day been like since virtual classes and social distancing were introduced?
Now that I spend a lot more of my time at home, I’ve developed a love for hiking. Surprisingly, the Connecticut River is in my backyard (crazy, right?!?) so I walk on the trails along the river. Since it also tends to rain a ton in Connecticut, as you all know going to UConn, I also take time to focus my energy on chores around the house.
Are there any campus traditions you missed, and any that you might want to take part in as an alum?
One tradition I will miss is sunset yoga. My friends always posted really pretty sunset pictures, but I never had the chance to go. Now it looks as though I’ll have to wait until later this year or possibly next year.
If everything could go back to normal for one hour today, what would you use that time for?
If things were only normal for one hour, I would most definitely want to see all my friends again.
What are your plans for after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to start my Quality Engineering Development Rotational Program at Pratt and Whitney. It’s a really exciting program where I’ll get to do three, eight-month rotations in three different locations across the country. I’m extremely excited to learn about the business and find out what I have a passion for in the aerospace industry.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself in a job and company I love, pursuing a career I’m passionate about. Most of all I want to be happy wherever I end up.
If you could thank one person for their help throughout your time at UConn, who would it be and what would you say?
I owe a huge thank you to Kevin McLaughlin, the Director of the Engineering Diversity and Outreach Center. He has been a major role model for me, always leading by example. Thank you Kevin for accepting me into the BRIDGE program my freshman year and helping me get my first internship at Pratt and Whitney my junior year. Without the support of you and EDOC, I’m sure my experience at UConn would have been very different.
What’s a piece of advice you’d like to share with the Class of 2024?
Get involved! Try new things and get outside your comfort zone. I know it’s easier said than done! Throughout my time at UConn, whenever I’ve tried something new, I’ve never regretted it. Every experience is a learning experience in that you will find what you do like and what you do not like.
Anything else we should know about you? Fun facts, hidden talents, favorite memories, advice, etc.?
One thing not many people know is that I’m a gymnastics coach at Tri-Town Gymnastics in Tolland, CT. I participated in competitive gymnastics for 10 years and have always had a love for teaching.
