By exhibiting leadership skills far beyond their years and working hard not only in their studies, but also by helping others, Western Connecticut State University seniors Jessica Lin and Timothy Nott have proven that dedication and resolve do pay off.
Recognized for their determination and success, Lin and Nott were chosen as winners of this year’s Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award. The award was established in 1983 as the private development foundation of the Connecticut State University system. There are 12 given annually to distinguished students from Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Connecticut State universities.
Nott, who is from Oakville, has wanted to be a teacher ever since second grade, when he met his first male teacher.
“What impressed me most was the balance he struck between that maternal comfort you look for in a teacher as a child, and that strictness you look for (and need) from a father figure,” Nott said. “I hope that I can be that kind of teacher.”
Nott said he dived right into his major, which included student teaching at Danbury’s Ellsworth Avenue School. In order to maintain a 3.7 GPA, Nott said he gave up social events, but found that pursuing his goals and helping young students were very rewarding.
“Timothy began an exemplary record of service to our local public schools from the beginning of his program. His dedicated service to our local public schools and profession in general make him a worthy recipient of the Barnard award,” said Dr. Catherine O’Callaghan, chair of the WCSU Education and Educational Psychology Department.
Lin, who maintains a 3.99 GPA, is a political science major who looks forward to earning a graduate degree in either public health or public administration and to a future that involves making situations better for others.
“I would like to learn as much as I can, gather as much experience as possible and develop as a better human being in order to help those around me and return the favors from those who had continuously stood beside me and encouraged me,” Lin said.
A Merit scholar, Lin is a member of the WCSU Honors Program, for which she has also worked as assistant to the director, Dr. Chris Kukk. Lin, who lives in New Milford, also has had numerous community commitments, including as a server at a local soup kitchen and as a volunteer for charitable events. She also works for her family’s restaurant and as a note-taker for students with challenges.
“Jessica is that one-in-a-decade student whose intellectual prowess is only matched by her own compassionate strength,” Kukk said.
Both students received their award at a banquet held April 6 in Southington.