Lifestyle

Stepping into a furry suit and donning a mask helps students involved in the community of anthropomorphics, or furries, redefine self-expression and identity. On campus, students’ interests and identities are ever-evolving—that’s true for Taylor Mahoney and Hannah Dayton. For Mahoney, a sophomore exploratory major, the fascination began early, when as a kid, they adored mascot characters. “There was...

Each photo shot by Jaquan Brooks, a senior sociology major, tells a unique story. Brooks focuses on the realm of celebrity photography. Often, he travels around neighboring states to concerts capturing behind-the-scenes and live on-stage experiences. He started taking photos in high school, gaining inspiration from an art teacher who told him to continue with his photography. Although...

When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of refugees left their homes and fled abroad for safety and opportunities. Three students here are among them. Uliana Pokutnia, Nikita Shovkomud and Oleksandr “Sasha” Stelmakh are currently enrolled at the university after leaving their home country to pursue higher education. Stelmakh, a junior computer science major,...

https://youtu.be/HOhq5238uJc?si=1ZqqeVumFb4rwjLk Gianna Ziniak has been dedicating her time to a new and surprising passion, training for American Ninja Warrior. Ziniak, a senior computer science major, began in 2023, when Ziniak was introduced to the world of Ninja Warrior by a friend. Her first practice session left her completely drained: she was hooked, despite not having the upper-body strength...

https://youtu.be/cJc46fqlZ1g At a cliff’s edge, Tyler Ferullo prepares for his next freestyle jump. His face shows no fear and with a deep breath, he performs breathtaking aerial moves. “I get nervous before almost every jump. But helps me to lock in and stay focused,” says Ferullo, a junior tourism, hospitality and event management major. Ferullo is a freestyle...

https://youtu.be/9LGuO7YPCi4 This story was reported in Fall 2023 by the students in JRN 220 – Digital Reporting and Writing taught by Jodie Gil, with photographs contributed from students in JRN 270 – Photojournalism and Drones taught by Jonathan Elmer. The JRN 220 students who contributed reporting to the project include Brandon Cortés, Miah Green, Guillermo Hernandez, Benjamin Martin,...

Nestled amidst the bustling campus of the University, lies a haven of intellectual curiosity and academic rigor—the Honors College. Established in 1982 with a mission to cultivate an environment of interdisciplinary exploration and critical thinking, the Honors College has since become a cornerstone of academic excellence and community engagement. At the helm of the Honors College is Gemme...

https://youtu.be/NbxuZE3RKFs At the university, the constant hum of life, stories of ambition, dreams and the pursuit of knowledge continue to flourish. Yet, amidst the sea of youthful faces, there are those whose stories are not often told—the non-traditional students. Among them is Wendy Batterton, a senior public health major. Batterton has worked multiple jobs in the past and...

SHAWN Project members (left to right) Sabrine Yaser, Grace Beyerl, Jenny Malcein, Sedona Worth, Samantha Morrison, Emily Ziemba, Mellody Massaquoi and Prof. Amy Smoyer A university coalition is working to create a more diverse research community, including opportunities for undergraduate students.   Stop HIV/AIDS Women’s Network’s research is centered around women who use drugs, have been incarcerated or are...

https://youtu.be/Z-Xx6uhv83U Yarimar Inoa-Caraballo, senior, sociology major. Yarimar Inoa-Caraballo swaps her student backpack at night for her police uniform.  Along with her badge and cap, she adds her gun and utility belt with handcuffs, pepper spray, baton and flashlight.  Caraballo, a Hartford police officer, is tackling the nightshifts, five to six days a week, “to serve and protect” the...