Ty'Laisha Huff

UConn School of Nursing

Hi, my name is Ty’Laisha Huff. I’m a first-generation nursing student at the University of Connecticut on the Storrs campus, graduating in 2027. I was born and raised in Hartford, CT—first in the North End near Sigourney Street until I was 10, then in the South End near Park Street. Growing up in the city showed me both the challenges and the resilience of urban communities, and that’s a big part of what drives me today.

I’ve always looked for ways to give back. I was involved with the Hartford UNITY/Active City Initiative, working with the mayor’s office and partners to bring sports and programs to kids in the city. Those programs were either free or low-cost, which made them accessible for families like mine and kept kids engaged and off the streets.

I joined UST because I know what it feels like to be part of a community that’s often misunderstood and overlooked. I want to use my voice, my experiences, and my future as a nurse to connect with people who share that story—uplifting them and making sure they feel seen. I believe in giving back to the places that raised me. My hope is to use my journey in healthcare to serve my community and help create a system where everyone feels valued.