UConn Today – November 13, 2024

Anna Heqimi ’25 (CLAS) and Jahon Boothe ’25 (CLAS) have been selected as Fall 2024 Media Fellows by the Washington Media Scholars Foundation. 

Heqimi, a journalism and communication major, and Boothe, a communication major at the Stamford campus, are the first students from UConn and the first in Connecticut to receive this scholarship. They are among only 65 students selected nationwide. 

“I feel very honored and privileged to have won it, and to have the opportunity to meet new people and network with professionals as well as other students who won this award,” Heqimi says. 

The scholarship is sponsored by media industry leaders, including Gray Television and The Washington Post, and was established to recognize and support outstanding students pursuing careers in media-related fields. 

“Honestly, it feels pretty great to get it,” Boothe says. “I honestly did not think that anyone in Connecticut knew about the scholarship. It was pretty good to know that I made an impact.”  

Learn more about the Media Fellows and their post-graduation plans on UConn Today.

UConn Today – November 5, 2024

Amanda Cooper, assistant professor of communication, studies interpersonal communication. Cooper’s research is at the intersection of interpersonal, family, and health communication. 

Research indicates that an increasing number of college students are experiencing loneliness. According to a May 2024 report by the virtual college healthcare provider TimelyCare, in partnership with youth mental health nonprofit Active Minds, nearly 65% of college students reported feeling lonely, with 28.4% reporting often feeling isolated, 23.1% being left out, and 21% lacking companionship.

Cooper provides guidance on navigating feelings of loneliness and offers ways for students to address them.  

“My recommendation for anyone feeling isolated is to start practicing the art of conversation…Building communication skills is important, and simply starting a conversation can go a long way.” Cooper shares.

Learn more about Amanda Cooper’s research and insight on UConn Today.