Editor’s Note: As Commencement approaches, we are featuring some of our Neag School Class of 2024 graduating students over the coming days.

Major: BS, Music Education
Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut

Why did you choose UConn?

UConn is a staple feature of growing up in Connecticut. When considering colleges, I knew UConn would have the most opportunities for me. On a sunny August day going into my senior year of high school, my parents and I toured the campus. My parents had attended UConn in the ’80s, and while they reminisced throughout the tour about campus features in the past, I walked around with the overwhelming feeling that this school would be the one for me. I vividly remember stepping out of the car in North Garage and walking toward the Visitor Center. Everything just felt so incredibly right.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

My major is music education. I entered UConn as a pharmacy major, which, even before starting college, I wasn’t 100% committed to pursuing. Singing was a talent and hobby that I took incredibly seriously. In addition to the fact that I had wanted to pursue a career in education since kindergarten, discovering music education made everything click into place. The role of an educator is deeply valuable. My mother is a recently retired kindergarten teacher, so I have always been attuned to teachers’ critical role in society. Not only do I dream of fostering a passion for music within students, but I also acknowledge the unique role arts educators play in schools. Arts educators teach students multiple years in a row, so the relationship an arts educator establishes with a student is vital to their development. Such a role is so monumental — so sacred — and to acknowledge the beauty and significance of that role is crucial to success in arts education.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

The professor I have most deeply connected with during my time at UConn is my lessons professor, Meredith Ziegler. Singing — and playing any instrument, for that matter — is an incredibly vulnerable activity. Meredith helped me blossom throughout my time at college. Of course, she developed my singing technique. Still, my involvement in the voice area of the Music Department, confidence in myself, and appreciation for my gifts grew significantly throughout my time under her tutelage. Meredith knew precisely how to challenge me and where to draw the line. She recognized when some days were wearing me down more than others. When I felt like the worst musician in the world, Meredith helped me realize and have confidence in my abilities. I am sincerely grateful to have been placed in Meredith’s voice studio.

I have learned so much about myself from the relationships I have formed here at UConn. … I have learned how to care for myself in every way. — Elizabeth Nonamaker

What activities were you involved in as a student?

As a student, I have been involved in the UConn Composer-Ensemble Collaboration, a club formed in the spring of 2021. I served as an event planning chair in my junior year and served as the vice president in my senior year. Additionally, I served as the fundraising chair and later secretary of UConn Choirs. I have also been involved in the UConn chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, with whom I attended the National ACDA Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, last spring.

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

Wind tunnels are inescapable. I had heard all the legends and stories about wind tunnels, but I didn’t know they were kind of everywhere.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

After graduation, I will enter my master’s year in the Neag School’s Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program. Once I have finished that degree, I hope to secure a job as an elementary music teacher and perhaps one day direct a community choir.

How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?

I have learned so much about myself from the relationships I have formed here at UConn. I have certainly gone through the typical college checklist of newfound independence, but slowly becoming a functioning adult is nothing compared to the journey college has taken me on in getting to know myself. I have learned how to care for myself in every way.

Any advice for incoming students?

Finding your place here won’t happen right away. You have so much learning and growing to do. Be patient as you become your most authentic self. This part of life is the one where you learn the most about yourself — it is going to get miserable at times, but it is going to be so unmistakably joyous at other times. Mr. Rogers once said, “Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime’s work, but it’s worth the effort.” Be kind to yourself.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Everyone should watch at least one sunrise and one sunset on Horsebarn Hill. Especially via sunset yoga!

What will always make you think of UConn?

Huskies. When I see a husky in public (regardless of my proximity to UConn), I will, without fail, think, “Is that Jonathan?”