2012 NBHS Grad Succeeding at UConn
By Kathryn M. Roy | New Britain Consolidated School District at July 4, 2024 | 8:00 am | Print
Gabriel Guevara, a 2012 New Britain High School graduate, is looking ahead to a career in urban planning after he finishes his studies at the University of Connecticut. Guevera, who is finishing his sophomore year at the UConn-Hartford campus, is looking to begin studies at the Storrs campus in the fall.
Guevara is one of New Britain High School’s many success stories. A strong student in high school who took Advanced Placement courses, Guevara said his high school classes prepared him well for college.
“High school prepared me for the work load in college,” Guevara said.
Guevara’s favorite teachers were Mr. Parisi, who taught him to “always strive to be a sponge, not a brick,” and Mrs. Patricia Bell.
“Mrs. Bell was the nicest person and most caring teacher that I had at New Britain High School,” Guevara said. “She was able to make the classroom feel so comfortable, almost as if her class was my second home.”
Guevara said his transition to college was not perfectly smooth, because he had to juggle his studies with a job for the first time. And he did it without a car.
“I had to deal with the hassles of public transportation,” he said. “With having to deal with all of that on top of studying and assignments, at times it was a bit overwhelming.”
But when he figured out a balance and created a system, it became much easier.
“Throughout my time in college, I have managed to maintain a strong GPA and get on the Dean’s List,” he said.
In college, Guevara has been very involved in on-campus activities and events. He was an orientation leader who helped incoming freshmen get acquainted with the campus and the UConn system. He also volunteered to help set up events such as ConnPIRG’s children’s Christmas benefit concert, open mic night and various food days on campus. He also worked with the Associated Student Government, giving them student opinions on various events and helping them promote their events. In addition, he interned in U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal’s office.
Guevara said if he were to offer advice to current NBHS students, it would be to not be afraid to challenge yourself.
“If you do not challenge yourself, you are not giving yourself a chance to grow,” he said. “When a challenge arises, whether you lose or win, you learn so much about yourself.”
Guevara said after he graduates from UConn, he plans to attend graduate school to become an urban planner, so he may meet the needs of the community.
