They say everything happens for a reason, and the last four years have proven exactly that. It is hard to believe that for so long, I convinced myself that the University of Connecticut was not where I belonged. For much of my teenage era, I felt pressured by those around me to break the norm, to go far and escape the “confines” of Connecticut. It was natural for most in my community to become a Husky, so they expected more. But little did they know UConn would completely change the trajectory of my life and shape me in unimaginable ways. Little did they know, UConn was exactly where I belonged all along.
Although it is cliché, the people truly make the place. I owe everything I am and have become to the beautiful souls this university graced me with. What started as an unfamiliar environment quickly became a home away from home, all thanks to the village that I fostered as I navigated the complexities of adulthood and independence. From the minute I set foot onto this campus, I have watched those around me continuously challenge themselves to reach for new heights — and that has inspired me to do the exact same. In this place, I have found lifelong connections, a forever family and a newfound confidence in myself that I never thought would be possible.
If you had told little Ashley about the doors that attending this university would have opened for her, she would stare at you in disbelief. Transparently, I still feel as though the last four years were a dream. Dance has always been such a prominent component of my identity. I simply do not know who I am without it. While I always knew that I wanted to keep this art form in my life in some capacity, I never could have imagined how profoundly joining the UConn Dance Team would impact me. It has been the absolute honor of my life to represent the university as a member of the Spirit, Pride, Tradition program. From competing on the Universal Dance Association Nationals floor, to performing at Madison Square Garden and traveling with the women’s basketball team for the duration of their National Championship run, the experiences that I have been exposed to while at UConn have truly left an indelible mark.
Beyond this, being a part of such a supportive team environment has taught me the significance of positivity and gratitude. I have learned that it is okay to lean on others for support during trying times, but more importantly, how to be the biggest cheerleader in return for those around me. There is so much beauty in the in-between. If I have discovered anything, it is to celebrate your victories and view every challenge as a steppingstone to new successes.
Choosing UConn was the best decision of my life, and I genuinely believe that everything aligns exactly the way that it is meant to be. To potential future Huskies, my advice is this: take the jump. Trust your gut and break the norm. Do not do what society tells you to do, but instead take your own path and leave a trail. You owe it to yourself to accomplish everything “little you” has ever dreamed of.