UHart’s education student Arohi Verma ’26 came to the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions with a passion for helping children and deep appreciation for supportive educators, which inspired them to pursue a degree in integrated elementary and special education.
“Throughout my own education, I had many struggles, but I was able to get support from some amazing teachers,” Arohi says. “I wanted to be able to help other students in the same way.”
Now preparing for a career in education, Arohi is already applying the skills they developed at UHart through their work with Windsor Public Schools. After graduation, they plan to teach for several years before pursuing a master’s degree.
Arohi credits UHart’s faculty and hands-on learning experiences with shaping them into the educator they are today.
“I think UHart has helped make me the teacher I am today,” they say. “Without the knowledgeable and dedicated professors, I do not think I would be where I am today.”
Fieldwork and student teaching experiences played a particularly meaningful role in Arohi’s growth. Through placements at Oliver Ellsworth School, Arohi gained practical classroom experience and learned directly from mentor teachers who helped guide and support them throughout the process.
“My mentor teachers at Oliver Ellsworth School practically raised me into the teacher I am,” Arohi says.
Beyond the classroom, Arohi was immersed in campus leadership and involvement. They served as president of Women+ for Change, vice president of Best Buddies, an ENHP Ambassador, a Hillyer Study Center Manager, and a member of Dramatis Personae.
Arohi also conducted research on student mental health and well-being through a Hillyer Honors seminar during their first two years at UHart.
The relationships they built along the way made a lasting impact.
“Professors like Dr. Cavanna have made an incredible impact on my education,” Arohi says. “My peers have been an amazing resource as we learn together.”
Their favorite part about UHart is the community itself.
“There are so many amazing, hardworking students who are so passionate about what they’re doing,” they say. “I am so excited to see the impact they will one day have.”
For incoming students, Arohi encourages them to make the most of every opportunity available to them: “Take advantage of all the resources available and become friends with your professors!”
Arohi Verma ’26, Integrated elementary and special education program student, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsI think UHart has helped make me the teacher I am today. Without the knowledgeable and dedicated professors, I do not think I would be where I am today.