Student Profiles

Name: Sheena Mayes-Boyle

Hometown: Waterbury

High School: Wilby HS

Year at UConn: Sophomore

Sheena Mayes-Boyle graduated near the top of her class from Wilby High School in Waterbury. Her interest in pursuing a career in education and the excellent reputation of the Neag School of Education at UConn led her to apply to the University of Connecticut. She received offers of admission from UConn and several other colleges throughout the United States. After reviewing her options, Mayes-Boyle decided to attend UConn Waterbury for many reasons, including the affordable cost of attendance. She was also awarded the Katherine Hill Pomeroy Scholarship.

Sheena is currently a Pre-Teaching student and plans to apply to the five-year Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program through the Neag School of Education. Ultimately, she hopes to continue her professional career in an urban environment, preferably Waterbury, and teach English at the secondary school level.

Mayes-Boyle credits many in preparing her for the rigors of college and for spurring her interest in teaching. She especially credits Christine Chauncy, an elementary teacher, as having a great influence in her decision to pursue a teaching career.

At UConn, Mayes-Boyles is an outstanding student and her name consistently appears on the Dean’s List. She also is a student worker for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Dr. Brian Chapman, Director of OLLI at UConn says “Sheena Boyle exemplifies someone who doesn’t “just come to work,” but rather someone who cares deeply about doing an outstanding job and seeing projects to fruition. She is attentive, thoughtful, patient, and genuinely interested in the OLLI members. Sheena’s work ethic translates to top-notch customer service which has contributed immeasurably to the growth and success of the OLLI Program.”

She also stays active in the community by coaching for the Waterbury Knights Cheerleading squad and volunteering for the NAACP, Grace Baptist Church, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Sheena would provide this advice to students interested in applying to UConn, “Take charge of your future, get involved, and be realistic with the goals you set for yourself. At UConn, the professors are demanding, but you will learn a lot.”