Experiential Learning with Shane

Transcript

Now it’s time to head over to the Wilbur Cross building, or just Wilbur Cross as everyone calls it here. We’re excited to talk to Shane Young, a Finance major who founded a business group for underrepresented students, who plays on the practice squad against the best women’s basketball team in the country. Shane, tell us about some of the incredible experiences you’ve had here.

Hey everyone, one of my favorite aspects of UCCON is the breath of opportunities available to students. As a research one institution with over 700 student organizations the university provides an amazing selection of opportunities to find yourself, as well as your people. This breath has challenged me to hold leadership positions in six of the nine organizations. And I’m actively involved in, as well as, applying knowledge attained from the classroom to real experiential learning opportunities that can have a real impact on people’s lives.

I‘ve been able to merge my interest in consulting for my passion on racial equity to embark on a really unique leadership opportunity within the UCONN consulting group. And if you can’t find an organization that fits your interests, you can create your own club which is exactly what I did last Fall. I founded business leaders of UCONN, an organization focused on supporting underrepresented students interested in business. Not only have we supported Bi-pod in achieving the most ambitious professional goals but more importantly, we’ve created a safe space for Bi-pod to share their experiences and discuss racial equity to maintain collective consciousness of marginalized experiences. With the extensive selection of opportunities available you’ll be sure to find something that pulls you out of your comfort zone.

A significant decision I had to make in high school was whether I wanted to play college basketball. It would have been a huge commitment. Instead, I found the best of both worlds where I can stay connected to a sport that I loved my entire life while also having a diverse college experience. The UCONN Women’s Basketball team takes on male practice players each year through their practice team. I’ve been able to stay connected to a significant sport in my life while also competing against and building relationships with some of the best women’s basketball players in the country.

I’ve also discovered different parts of the world and learn how my existence is shaped by history and my place in the world. My involvement has brought me to New York to give a consulting presentation to a startup company to Detroit, tour and housing discrimination but like in the privatization of education is currently subjugating black communities and to Tampa to cheer on the women’s basketball team in the NCAA final four. Beyond the US, one of the greatest influences in shaping my ideology has in my study abroad experience in Barcelona where I studied photography, fashion marketing, and contemporary neocolonialism. In college, I’ve embarked on a journey to find myself in my identity in this world. And it would not have been possible if it weren’t for the amazing extracurricular opportunities here at UCONN. Thanks Alex, back to you.

Amazing stuff, Shane getting a chance to study in Barcelona sounds like a life changing experience on top of everything else. And how cool is it to say you played basketball against players with multiple final four appearances to their credit. Thanks for sharing your story cheers Shane.