“From a young age I wanted to be a teacher, and it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I wanted to explore other career paths that could be tied to education,” says Courtney Wright. “I’m interested in using my degree to work in social services. I want to pursue a career that allows me to help and support people.”

Because the program can lead to a variety of different career paths in education and social services, Courtney chose to major in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at UVM. “I believe with this major I have the foundation to do a lot of things, in or out of a classroom environment,” explains the senior from Cambridge, Ontario who is also pursuing a minor in Coaching. 

Community Engagement

Courtney feels that her service-learning and internship experiences have been the most fulfilling aspects of the educational journey thus far, allowing her to apply classroom learning to practical settings. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much outside the confines of a classroom.” 

She wasted no time getting out into the community as a first-year student at UVM, engaging in service learning at the Boys and Girls Club in Burlington.  “It was such a rewarding experience. I was in a setting where the kids looked up to me. I spent a lot of time on the basketball court playing with and against the kids.  It’s a wonderful organization and was so happy to be a part of it.”

Now in her senior year, Courtney is interning at Ronald McDonald House Charities. “I am excited to be a part of the RMHC family, surrounded by a staff who works so hard to accommodate and support families at the house in any way they can. This is an environment that will help me grow into the person I want to be.” 

Overcoming Adversity

“On Jan. 27, 2016, I started my first collegiate game against the University of New Hampshire,” she recalls. “I stepped onto the Patrick Gym court with so much excitement, not knowing that my first start would mark the end of my freshman season.” 

Falling as her right knee twisted, she knew immediately what happened. It was an all too familiar feeling for Courtney.  In high school nearly two years previously, she tore the ACL in her left knee. 

“I remember lying on the court, all my emotions pouring onto the floor, telling my teammates that I had torn my other ACL.”

She was crushed.

“ACL recovery was the hardest thing both mentally and physically I've ever had to endure, and the thought of doing it again was unimaginable and defeating.”

MRI results confirmed what she already knew. Courtney missed the second half of conference play and the postseason. But she knew what to expect this time, and her trainer Emily Snyder said it be would easier the second time around. Still, she found herself crying in the trainers' room on more than one occasion. 

Family and teammates provided the support system she needed during the recovery. Eight months after surgery, she played in her first game. “There are no words to explain the pure joy I felt stepping on that court,” she recalls vividly. 

“Courtney faced adversity during her time here at UVM, but never allowed it to be an excuse,” says Interim Head Coach Alisa Kresge. “No one is more reliable and committed to this team and program than Courtney.”

Success as a Student-Athlete

In addition to playing on the UVM Varsity Women's Basketball Team, Courtney also served as a member of UVM Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), which acts as a liaison between the student-athlete body and the athletic department's administration. Composed of representatives from each varsity team, SAAC meets to discuss issues concerning student-athletes, working to improve their overall experience, and building community within the teams and the greater Burlington community.

Wright achieved recognition on the America East Honor Roll every year since 2015. “My academic advisor Lawrence Shelton has been very supportive,” she explains.  “As a student-athlete scheduling courses, class absences can be a challenge and stressful sometimes. Larry did his best to accommodate me and made sure that my athletics would not hinder my performance in the classroom.”  

“Courtney is wonderful,” says Shelton, coordinator of the HDFS program. “She brings intelligence, positive energy, discipline and responsibility to her academic courses in the same way she tackles being a varsity athlete. The world needs a lot more people like Courtney.”

Favorite Classes at UVM

• HDFS 295B Child and Family Policy with Professor Tammy Kolbe:  “This was my favorite class I have taken in college thus far. Professor Kolbe truly cared about me as a student and a person.  She set the whole class up for success and was very supportive.”
• ENGS 053 Intro to Creative Writing, Professor Didi Jackson:  “I took this class as a writing requirement for my major. This class evoked my passion for writing, more specifically poetry. I was able to express my feelings and thoughts through a form of art.  Professor Jackson was very supportive and encouraging.”
• ENGS 057 Race and Ethnic Literature Studies, with Professor Sheila Boland Chira:  “This was one of the many diversity courses I took during my time at UVM.  I think it’s really important for people to have tough conversations. The first step to fighting ignorance is education.”
• HDFS 295A Theories of Family Development, with Professor Nicole Conroy:  “I really enjoyed this class. We were able to not just learn theory but practice applying theory."

Reflecting on her College Experience

Back in high school, when the UVM Women’s Basketball staff brought her to campus for a visit, she immediately fell in love with the campus and Burlington.  “In a short time UVM felt like the perfect home away from home,” she recalls. Hiking, swimming, Burlington sunsets, and Church Street are just a few of her favorite things to do for fun and excitement in the area.

Now in her senior year, Courtney has a profound appreciation for her time as an undergraduate student and how each experience impacted the course of her life.  

“College goes by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was a freshman coming out of high school, and now I am a senior preparing for the rest of my life.  I’ve learned to really embrace all my experiences, and just enjoy every moment. It’s been a privilege to represent UVM on the women’s basketball team. The program is really special, and I’ve had the opportunity to grow beside wonderful teammates and create lasting memories.”

Future Plans

“Recently I’ve thought about going to graduate school to get a master’s degree in social work. UVM has prepared me for my next steps wherever those may take me.  I’ve had valuable experience in and outside of the classroom. My professors taught me and prepared me to be a professional in my field. I have found and built the foundations for success. Upon graduation, the sky is the limit.”