Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2023 graduating students over the coming days.
Major: BS, Music Education
Hometown: Broad Brook, Connecticut
Why did you choose UConn?
During my junior and senior years of high school, I had the opportunity to learn from Neag students while they were in their student teaching phase of the program. What drove me to choose UConn was the fact that both student teachers happened to be in the same concentration I wanted to be in, which was music, and they were able to provide me with advice and thoughts on the program. After meeting those student teachers, I reached out to other alumni teachers in the building about their experiences as well. When discussing UConn with alumni I realized that not one of them had a bad experience and felt fulfilled when they left their program and that they were prepared.
What’s your major/field of study, and what drew you to it?
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a teacher but couldn’t decide what I was better at (math or English). Luckily, I had an epiphany in high school that I could become a music teacher and so I chose to study music education.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
I do have a favorite professor, and while they might not remember me, I quite enjoyed my time with Eric Lundquist, a psychology professor. I loved hearing his stories about his days in the marching band and even getting to hear a version of the fight song he wrote in a minor key. Psychology was by no means my favorite class, but I do appreciate Professor Lundquist for all he’s done.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
I was surprised by how many different ensembles I was able to play with throughout my time at UConn. If high school me was told about all the groups I was in and performances I did, I do not think he would have believed it.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
Once I graduate, I hope to begin teaching music in my own classroom with a mission to help all students be able to sound like the music that they hear inside their head. My goal is to try and work with or make a marching program as well.
“UConn has allowed me to be creative and explore my passion for music, as well as teaching. It has transformed me from a teacher that would have played it safe, to someone who is willing to try new things and explore creative thinking.” — Nathan Suarez
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has allowed me to be creative and explore my passion for music, as well as teaching. It has transformed me from a teacher that would have played it safe, to someone who is willing to try new things and explore creative thinking. It has also helped me evolve from a student to a professional like the teachers I learned from growing up.
Any advice for incoming students?
Stop every once in a while and cherish the hard work. A lot of times we get caught up in how hard further education is and we do not look at how it will benefit us for the rest of our lives. These lessons you are learning here at this University happen to be a much safer environment than learning it on the fly when you take all the blame. Sometimes it might be hard, but progress only comes to the determined individuals willing to work for what they want to achieve.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Join the marching band! You get to travel and do a bunch of cool things with cool individuals.
What will always make you think of UConn?
Anytime I hear the word “Connecticut” I will think of UConn. After all the football games, basketball games, marching band rehearsals, and other random places in which we decide to chant our husky pride. It will always remind me of the friends that shall ever remain.
