Senior Spotlight: Seraphin Tala ’20

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 Seraphin Tala!

 

Picture of Seraphin

Picture of Seraphin Picture of Seraphin

 

When are you graduating?

May 2020

 

What are you studying?

Political Science; Minor in Economics

 

Hometown?

Branford, CT

 

What on-campus activities/organizations are you involved in?

Honors Across State Borders, Resident Assistant, SOS Food Recovery, Writing Center Tutor, ASA, BROs

 

What is your favorite “hidden” spot on campus?

The top of the Bio-Physics Building

 

What has your day-to-day been like since virtual classes and social distancing were introduced?

When my sleep schedule is totally messed up, I usually eat a late breakfast/early lunch then relax until I have class (usually at about 1:30 or so). Then I either go for a run or workout. For the rest of the day, I either Facetime/Zoom call a friend or two and try to get more work done!

 

Are there any campus traditions you missed, and any that you might want to take part in as an alum?

I am very sad that the spring concert won’t be happening. I am also certainly going to miss the basketball games at Gampel and the fact that neither the Men’s nor Women’s team got to finish their season (especially sad for the seniors). I am definitely planning on going to some games as an alum. I will also miss HuskyTHON! Above all, I will miss being in the club that shaped my entire undergrad experience and who I am today: Honors Across State Borders! I can’t describe what this club means to me but the best I can do is – HASB FOREVER!

 

If everything could go back to normal for one hour today, what would you use that time for?

Maybe taking the time to walk around campus with my friends while taking pictures (in our caps and gowns) around campus and reminiscing about our time at UConn.

 

What are your plans for after graduation? 

I’m going to law school, and even thought I haven’t decided which one yet or what exactly I plan to concentrate in, I am very excited!

 

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

Not exactly sure. I will have graduated from law school, but I’m not sure the exact type of law I will be practicing. Even though I am not sure where I’ll be, I know I’ll be involved in some type of volunteer service in whatever form that may be.

 

If you could thank one person for their help throughout your time at UConn, who would it be and what would you say? 

My entire family! I would like to thank them for always being the perfect support system that I needed both in hard times and amazing times. They have always supported my passions and given me the confidence to reach my potential. Their guidance and generosity are the reason why I am who I am, and I will always be grateful for that.

 

What’s a piece of advice you’d like to share with the Class of 2024? 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Also, try to take moments to appreciate and reflect on your experience through journaling or just mindful introspection. College is a great time for growth and self-discovery – treasure your time and use it wisely!

 

Anything else we should know about you? Fun facts, hidden talents, favorite memories, advice, etc.?

One of my all-time favorite memories would be studying abroad in Barcelona, and even more so when I hung out with my friends Kevin and Tanya in Prague.

 

Congratulations, Seraphin!